Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2018

Made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this wine sees a combination of steel and wood. The vintage after this ferments and ages in wood only. The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia is already quite toasty with vanilla and dark spice behind black cherry and plum. There is a lot of revved up energy in this vintage, and its tannic structure is important. So is the alcohol content that clocks in at 15%. Fruit comes from a 15-hectare site located just above sea level at about 25 meters in elevation. The soils are deep and well-draining with clay and loose sand.

Very pretty currant and chocolate aromas with hints of hazelnut and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied with round tannins and a juicy finish. Lots of structure and richness to this. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Needs time to soften. Try after 2024.

An inky and luxurious wine, the 2018 Sondraia is produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and the remainder Cabernet Franc and reveals dark layers of sweet black currant, polished leather, toasted cedar, and fresh tobacco. It is still ripe with baby fat and is full without being heavy, with a supple and rounded mid-palate followed by a long, warming, and relaxed finish.

This red is very expressive, featuring juicy black currant, blackberry, licorice, iron and tobacco flavors, with a hint of coconut from the deft oak treatment. Harmonious and long, ending with refined tannins and spice elements. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2029.