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SKU 998236
$108.94/bottle
Out of stock
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Blueberries, plums, cedar and dark chocolate with some chile pepper undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that have a velvety and refined texture. Chewy at the end. Merlot. Needs time to open with such a structure. Best after 2028.
With its dark blue colored fruits and high juice content, Merlot varietal grapes have long been a favorite of wine producers around the globe, with it being found in vineyards across Europe, the Americas and elsewhere in the New World. One of the distinguishing features of Merlot grapes is the fact that they have a relatively low tannin content and an exceptionally soft and fleshy character, meaning they are capable of producing incredibly rounded and mellow wines. This mellowness is balanced with plenty of flavor, however, and has made Merlot grapes the varietal of choice for softening other, more astringent and tannin-heavy wines, often resulting in truly exceptional produce. Merlot is regarded as one of the key 'Bordeaux' varietals for precisely this reason; when combined with the drier Cabernet Sauvignon, it is capable of blending beautifully to produce some of the finest wines available in the world.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
JS95pts
James Suckling
Blueberries, plums, cedar and dark chocolate with some chile pepper undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that have a velvety and refined texture. Chewy at the end. Merlot. Needs time to open with such a structure. Best after 2028.
WE95pts
Wine Enthusiast
The nose is balanced between sweet milk chocolate and Maraschino cherries, and savory just-brewed coffee, fresh dirt and bay leaf. The palate brings cherry syrup, pomegranate and dried figs, but also medicinal herbs and more soil to preserve balance, until spearmint and citrus combine with intense acid and heat for a striking finish.
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
Made with Merlot, the Tolaini 2020 Picconero Tenuta Montebello is a thickly textured and powerful wine with a notable 15% alcohol content to match. Only 6,800 bottles were produced following 24 months of barrique aging. This is a broad wine with wide shoulders and lots of dark fruit stuffing at its core. Blackberry aromas are followed by sweet spice, cinnamon, Tuscan cigar, grilled herb and a hint of sweet rye bread.
WS94pts
Wine Spectator
Offering blackberry, black cherry, iron, toast and resin flavors, this fresh and concentrated red is solidly built, with vibrant acidity and firm tannins providing support. Shows excellent balance and length. Merlot. Drink now through 2036. 570 cases made, 200 cases imported.
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The nose is balanced between sweet milk chocolate and Maraschino cherries, and savory just-brewed coffee, fresh dirt and bay leaf. The palate brings cherry syrup, pomegranate and dried figs, but also medicinal herbs and more soil to preserve balance, until spearmint and citrus combine with intense acid and heat for a striking finish.
Winery Notes
Rich, concentrated and muscular, yet wonderfully balanced with big tannins and deep tiers of cherry, plums and wild berries, and nuances of spice, vanilla and licorice. A long flavorful aftertaste echoes with juicy fruit and mouthwatering tannins for minutes afterwards. Sensual and young, this wine promises a long life in the bottle.
