Petrolo Galatrona 2007 (750ML)

98 WS / 95+ WA / 95 VM

"This has a great color, with fabulous aromas of crushed blackberry, violet, toasty oak and black olive. Full-bodied, with powerful, ripe tannins and amazing flavors of blueberry, dark chocolate and toast. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Reminds me of the 1989 Petrus. A stunning Merlot. Best after 2012." James Suckling (WS).

Petrolo’s 2007 Galatrona (Merlot) is another of the successes of the vintage. It is a dark, seamless Galatrona packed with dark fruit, cassis, minerals and French oak. Despite the wine’s opulence and richness, the fruit retains considerable clarity as well as nuance. Today the French oak is a touch pronounced, but in a few years this dense, plush Merlot from impeccably-farmed hillside vineyards should be firing on all cylinders. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027. Proprietor Luca Sanjust and his team make some of the most sensual, pleasurable wines in Tuscany. Always intellectually curious, Sanjust continues to push the envelope. Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

Bright ruby. Blackberry, dark red cherry and milk chocolate on the highly fragrant nose, with a candied violet quality and a hint of blueberry nectar adding complexity. The rich ripe nose speaks of the hot year. Then sweet but penetrating blackberry and herbal coffee flavors show impressive clarity and energy thanks to lively but harmonious acidity. Powerful but polished tannins add grip to the spicy, appealing creamy and very long finish. This knockout wine is opulent styled but not at all over the top. - Ian D'Agata, Vinous Media