Petrolo Galatrona 2020 (1.5L)

98 VM / 98 FS / 97 JS / 96 WA / 95 JA / 95 WE

#56 James Suckling's Top 100 Italian Wines of 2022

The 2020 Galatrona is stunning. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best vintages of the Galatrona I can remember tasting. I am especially impressed by its vertical intensity and explosive energy. All the elements are so impeccably woven together. Dark-toned fruit, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and spice build into the intense, palate-staining finish. The 2018 spent 18-20 months in French oak, about 25% new, with some larger barrels thrown into the mix. Magnificent. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Bright, intense ruby with purple glints. Very clear and inviting nose, rich with blueberry and blackberry, plus fine tobacco notes, some cardamom. Juicy and endowed with plenty of fresh fruit, shows polished tannin, grippy, blackberries in the aftertaste, shows a fine layer of spice in the finish. - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler, Falstaff

Subtle yet intense aromas of black fruit and violets. Extremely perfumed. Crushed stones. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a mouth-feel of velvet that goes on for minutes. Refined and fresh. Al-dente fruit. From organically grown grapes. Better in three to four years. - James Suckling

The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of organic Merlot and the estate's headline wine. It was first created in 1994 when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer heat that became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona shows terrific results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and thickly forested position almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that grows in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherry, toasted almond and dried mint fuel a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine boasts long-lasting flavors. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Savoury and mouthwatering, benefitting from its 300m of altitude in the southern part of Tuscany by the Chianti hills. Precise and finely boned tannins, emphasis on dried herbs on the nose, this is an enticing mix of savoury raspberry leaf and riper red cherry fruits, keeps things walking the line of grip and generosity. Luca Sanjust winemaker and owner, along with team including Carlo Ferrini. One of the first big 100% Italian Merlot wines after Masseto to be sold through the Bordeaux system, now its fifth vintage with négociants, and a wine that gives hope to those who worry that Merlot is becoming unviable in the heat of Italian summers. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Dark berries, chocolate mousse, dried herbs and a bit of chili pepper heat show on the nose of this wine. The palate remains chocolatey but herbal, with a dark-cherry-syrup finish contrasted by chalky, gritty tannins and lingering heat. An absolute indulgence in the best way. — Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast