Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2013

The beautifully aromatic ’13 Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore reveals layers of scents; juicy red and blue fruits, balsamic herbs, crushed river rocks, cigar wrapper, and sun-warmed earth unspool from the glass. At once nervy and succulent, this wine holds the palate with grippy tannins, and the wine crosses the palate to reveal exquisite balance, suggesting that this vintage will drink for years.

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese, this wine derives from vines averaging 20 years of age, grown in soils of calcareous sandstone, marl and clay. The grapes vinify in cone-shaped oak vats, and the wine ages for 18 months in barrique, followed by a year in bottle before release. The product of a classic, even, and temperate growing year, the 2013 flagship from Grattamacco needs some time in the cellar before true approachability.