Brancaia Ilatraia 2019 (750ML)

97 JS / 95 WA / 94 VM / 94 JD

This has aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, black olives, cedar, dark chocolate, praline, salted almonds and spearmint. Some gun metal and graphite, too. Creamy and caressing, with velvety tannins and a full body. Delicious salted-chocolate notes. So much power and concentration, yet it remains elegant. Long. Drink from 2023.-James Suckling

The Brancaia 2019 Ilatraia is an organic blend of 40% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc aged in French barrique for 18 months, half of which is new oak. This is a generous and deeply layered expression with dark fruit, baker's chocolate and elegant spice. I tasted this wine next to the 2018 vintage, which clearly showed more balance given that extra year of aging. Based on that observation, I suggest an extended drinking window for this wine. The 2019 shows lots of primary fruit brightness and concentration. Production is 40,000 bottles.-Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

The 2019 Ilatraia, Brancaia's top Maremma wine, is racy and voluptuous out of the gate. A whole range of savory and spice overtones wraps around the inky blue/blackish fruit. This heady blend is so expressive today. Blackberry, espresso, licorice and leather build into the sumptuous finish.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Another impressive wine from Brancaia, the 2019 Ilatraia is produced from 40% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc from the Maremma. It is potent with black fruit, menthol, sage, and just a hint of rusticity lurking underneath with a note of saddle leather. Meaty and full up-front, it tapers slightly with a pleasant hit of acidity, warming spice, and tannins that continue through the back. It is tightly wound and will continue improve over the following 15 or so years. Drink 2025-2040.-Jeb Dunnuck