ANTINORI, GUADO AL TASSO BOLGHERI SUPERIORE
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: Super Tuscans never go out of fashion, and friends, we've just secured a small allocation of a 98-pointer, from one of the most iconic producers in all of Tuscany: a wine of weight and generosity, but also great freshness and balance, with complex and woven aromatics, soft tannins and a long, deeply pleasurable finish. And, should you choose to cellar it, just know that this is a surefire stock that is only going to escalate in value in the years to come.
What They're Saying: "A new benchmark for this winery," James Suckling opined, in a 98-point rave, asking whether this release – with its "wild and perfumed nose of dried thyme, sage, blackberries, cocoa, graphite and white and green peppercorns," "precise tannins," and "vibrant" effect – is "their best yet."
The Story: To taste these Super Tuscans is to savor more than 600 years of history, the character and terroir of land that has stood the test of time. The first reported winemaking at the Antinori estate, in southwest Florence, took place in 1385 – long before Bolgheri became Bolgheri, in other words. At the same time, as anyone knows who has made the acquaintance of this excellent house, this is thoroughly modern winemaking, and, to us, the best kind possible: one that nods to tradition while speaking to the moment. Marchesi Antinori purchased the estate in 1990, and from the start he has managed a difficult balancing act with aplomb – at once preserving the old-world style that defines the region while nudging the winemaking toward greater vividness and expressiveness, and with more fruit-forwardness.
Specs: A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot, it spent 18 months in barrel, 90% of which was new.
Our Tasting Notes: We believe that it will more than age gracefully – that it will evolve into something magisterial when it is fully mature, and reward you many times over with its purity, elegance, smoothness, and delicacy.
ABV: 14.5%.
Fun Fact: The Antinori family has been making wine for – wait for it – 26 generations, making it, according to Wine Investment magazine, "the 10th oldest family-owned company in the world."
What to Pair It With: Roasted chicken, goose, and duck; rich and hearty braises; nearly any meat from the grill; charcuterie boards.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2023. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, GA, KS, MA, MI, NY or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023.
