Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore 2016 (750ML)

97 DE / 96 WA / 96-97 JS / 95 WS / 17.5 JR

Grattamacco is one of the highest estates in Bolgheri, located just beneath the village of Castagneto Carducci. It has a distinctive contribution of 15% Sangiovese to the blend, along with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This indigenous grape gives the wine a particular freshness and drinkability, rejuvenating the tension of the classic Bordeaux varieties. In 2016, Grattamacco has exceeded itself, with aromas of elegant, youthful red currant fruits integrated with citrus notes and cedar wood. On the palate the wine is perfectly balanced, and more immediately drinkable than some of the other top samples. It has delicious tension and ripeness, with a mediterranean character and a hint of kiwi on the finish. Drinking Window 2019 - 2045. AF - Decanter

The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is a subtle and elegant wine with decisive energy and forward momentum. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Sangiovese, and the fruit is sourced from across the best sites in the estate's various vineyard holdings. The bouquet opens to delicate berry and wild cherry and then moves over to warmer Mediterranean tones of rosemary, pressed flower and gardening soil. To the palate, the wine shows depth and medium consistency that prizes smoothness, texture and length. Elegance is the big takeaway.- Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

So much rosemary and tobacco, highlighting the currants and other fruit on the nose. Medium body and firm, silky tannins. Balanced and fresh finish. Remains subtle and complex. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2020. James Suckling

The aromas offer a subtle mix of black currant, violet, cedar, iron and sweet spices, evolving into an elegant profile, with superb balance and harmony. Complex and intense, this seems approachable even at this early stage, yet it will only gain with time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2021 through 2048. 4,000 cases made, 350 cases imported. - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Mid-deep ruby-purple. Torrefied, chocolate oak, with dried tobacco, subtle cedar and rich, black cherry. Sweet, black-cherry palate, counterbalanced by dark chocolate and espresso oak, and underpinned by compact, ripe, very fine, firm tannins. Creamy finish. Modern Bolgheri, but done with a deft hand and aplomb. --(TJ) Jancis Robinson