Castello di Bolgheri 2017 Bolgheri Superiore 750ml

I had tasted this wine in a preview capacity one year ago. Now on the market, the Castello di Bolgheri 2017 Bolgheri Superiore hits the nail on the head. This estate is on a slow growth trajectory, showing results that deliver more satisfaction with each year that I taste them. The 2016 vintage stood out as a true beauty, and this 2017 vintage, with 30,000 bottles made, follows closely on its heels. This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot is not too dense or heavy. It can't be faulted for being overripe or too astringent like some of its peers. Instead, the wine shows smooth fruit integration and solid background notes of blackberry, spice and cured tobacco, worthy of a sampler plate of wild boar charcuterie. Nice job. Some 30,000 bottles were made.

Score: 94+ points -- Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 2020