Mate Banditone Syrah 2012
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Candace Máté and her team are among the few to bet on the Syrah grape in the relatively cooler climate of Montalcino in Tuscany. The 2012 Syrah Banditone stands out in this Sangiovese-based part of Tuscany, thanks to its wide and broad display of aromas. Syrah feels lazy and slow in terms of its aromatic delivery next to the decidedly more nervous and quick-footed Sangiovese. Dark fruit and blackberry segues to leather and smoked bacon. The wine shows long and wide characteristics in terms of mouthfeel. It wraps thickly over the palate—although there is enough acidity to tingle your tongue.
Being perfectionists, the Mátés performed a “museum quality” restoration of the friary, then hired Gaja’s agronomist and France’s Pierre Guillaume to select the best varietals and clones in planting their four vineyards of wonderfully varied exposition, elevation and soil composition. Their Syrah and Merlot debued in 2006 from the difficult 2002 vintage.
The yields are kept extremely low by three annual green prunings to concentrate flavors. In the Máté vineyards and winery, no effort is spared to yield wines of great refinement, replete with unforgettable flavors.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.