Winemaker Notes
A natural match with char-grilled meats, particularly beef, Sondraia is also recommended with kebabs, roasted veal, pork, lamb shank, ribs or 'ossobuco'. It is enhanced when paired with smoked ricotta cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano and mediummatured sheep’s milk cheeses.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Aromas of wild blackberries, blackcurrants, cloves, olives, dried mint, pine cone, mocha and sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with firm, well integrated tannins. Structured and layered with a long, deliciously polished finish. Beautifully balanced and refined. Pretty blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aromas of black currant and a whiff of bell pepper slowly emerge on this hearty blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Concentrated and robust, the palate offers cassis, black cherry, licorice and the heat of evident alcohol alongside big velvety tannins.
-
Wine Spectator
Pungent aromas of black currant, plum, rosemary, sage and spice highlight this powerful red. Rich and dense at once, this lingers with sweet fruit and tannins on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2025. 1,880 cases imported.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of black currant and a whiff of bell pepper slowly emerge on this hearty blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Concentrated and robust, the palate offers cassis, black cherry, licorice and the heat of evident alcohol alongside big velvety tannins.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
An outstanding wine region made famous by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines for his own consumption in 1940s on his San Guido estate, and called the resulting wine, Sassicaia. Today the region’s Tuscan reds are based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which can be made as single varietal wines or blends. The local Sangiovese can make up no more than 50% of the blends. Today Sassicaia has its own DOC designation within the Bogheri DOC appellation.