2019 San Giusto a Rentennano La Ricolma Toscana Rosso

The Martini di Cigala family has farmed this ancient hilltop estate near Gaiole for generations. La Ricolma began almost by accident in the early 1990s when they planted a little Merlot to flesh out their Chianti. What grew instead was one of Italy’s most profound and quietly iconic Merlots and a wine that now stands among the world’s finest expressions of the grape.

A Super Tuscan that’s pure, dense, and still tightly wound. Opening with black cherry, plum, licorice, cloves, incense, and sweet oak. On the palate it is full-bodied and sumptuous, with rich texture, tightly knit concentration, and fine, compact tannins that need time to soften. There is real depth and balance here, with earth, spice, and a long resonant finish.

Only 3,790 bottles were made. It is certified organic and built for the long haul.

Grape: 100% Merlot

Region: Toscana IGT (Chianti Classico area), Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Wine Advocate 97+ points