Super Tuscan Wine Tasting

Held in the esteemed locale of Berry Bros & Rudd, this Super Tuscan wine tasting, directed by Master of Wine Barbara Drew, was an event of superb distinction. The carefully curated list of wines showcased the breadth and depth of Tuscany’s winemaking prowess.

Apéritif: 2020 Bolgheri, Vermentino, Grattamacco – ($49 – rating: 4.3 / 5.0)

The 2020 Bolgheri Vermentino from Grattamacco started the evening on a bright note. This white wine offered a delicate nose of white peaches, honeysuckle, and a fresh sea breeze hint. A crisp and fresh palate underlined by its medium acidity harmonised well with the initial fragrances. Its lemon and pear flavours made it a delightful apéritif.

Wine 1: 2019 Ornellaia Bianco – ($360 – rating: 4.4 / 5.0)

The 2019 Ornellaia Bianco was a superb expression of the variety. It boasted a complex nose of green apples, white flowers, and a hint of honey. The palate was vibrant, underlined by high acidity and balanced with ripe fruit flavours. A long finish with a hint of minerality made this wine an excellent start to the tasting.

Wine 2: 2016 Cepparello, Isole e Olena – ($118 – rating: 4.5 / 5.0)

The 2016 Cepparello from Isole e Olena was a testament to the quality of Tuscan Sangiovese. The wine exhibited a captivating nose of red cherries, spices, and an earthy undertone. The palate was robust, balanced, and harmonious, with a delicious mix of red fruit flavours and savoury notes. Tannins were firm but refined, setting the stage for a lingering finish.

Wine 3: 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve, Tenuta Fontodi – ($219 – rating: 4.6 / 5.0)

The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve from Tenuta Fontodi was indeed a treat. Dark cherries, rose petals, and a hint of liquorice on the nose gave way to a well-structured palate full of ripe fruits and vibrant acidity. Its refined tannins and long finish, hinting at vanilla and spices, were truly memorable.

Wine 4: 2008 Flaccianello della Pieve, Tenuta Fontodi – ($211 – rating: 4.7 / 5.0)

This older vintage of Flaccianello della Pieve was a pure pleasure to experience. Its bouquet was intensely aromatic, brimming with dried cherries, tobacco, and earthy notes. The palate was mature yet still remarkably fresh, with harmonious tannins and a pleasing balance of fruit and savoury flavours. Its finish was lengthy and imbued with hints of truffle and spice.#

Wine 5: 2013 Tignanello, Antinori – ($144 – rating: 4.9 / 5.0)

The 2013 Tignanello from Antinori was a standout among a star-studded line-up. Its nose was rich and complex, with notes of blackberries, violets, and a touch of sweet spice. The palate was equally impressive, boasting powerful dark fruit flavours, supple tannins, and a delightful freshness. Its long, lingering finish further accentuated the wine’s balance and complexity.

Wine 6: 2012 Solaia, Antinori – ($365 – rating: 4.8 / 5.0)

The 2012 Solaia was a powerful yet elegant expression of Antinori’s craft. It exhibited a complex nose of dark fruits, spices, and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine was robust and rich, with firm tannins framing a core of ripe blackberry and cassis flavours. The finish was long, highlighted by a pleasing minerality.

Wine 7: 2018 Bolgheri Superiore, Grattamacco – ($85 – rating: 4.7 / 5.0)

Grattamacco’s 2018 Bolgheri Superiore presented an elegant balance of power and finesse. Aromas of ripe cherries, vanilla, and sweet spices were well reflected on the palate. The wine was full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and a lovely core of ripe red and dark fruit flavours. Its finish was impressive and satisfying, with a lingering note of spice.

Wine 8: 2013 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido – ($389 – rating: 4.8 / 5.0)

The 2013 Sassicaia was a paragon of Super Tuscan wines. It unveiled a broad range of aromas, from blackberries and dark cherries to leather and spices. The palate was layered and rich, delivering dark fruit flavours intertwined with a solid structure of tannins and acidity. The long finish added another layer of complexity, revealing hints of dark chocolate and earth.

Wine 9: 2013 Ornellaia, Bolgheri – ($224 – rating: 4.9 / 5.0)

The 2013 Ornellaia was another exceptional vintage. Its compelling nose of ripe black fruits, violets, and cedar was followed by a dense, well-structured palate. The flavour profile was a harmonious blend of blackberry, plum, and a touch of spice. Its finish was long and harmonious, leaving a remarkable impression.

Wine 10: 2007 Masseto, Bolgheri – ($1163 – rating: 5.0 / 5.0)

The grand finale of the evening was the 2007 Masseto, a true masterpiece. With a bouquet filled with ripe black fruits, truffles, and a hint of smoky oak, it promised and delivered excellence. The palate was rich and complex, offering a perfect balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity. Its finish was extraordinarily long and satisfying, the perfect end to a spectacular evening.

This Super Tuscan wine tasting was indeed a memorable experience. Barbara Drew’s expert guidance allowed each participant to appreciate the nuanced characteristics of each wine, making this event a celebration of Tuscan winemaking.