TENUTA DI RENIERI, REGINA DI RENIERI
TUSCANY, ITALY 2018
No doubt you're already well-acquainted with Renieri's excellent Brunellos, which have won countless awards over the years and decades (including 100-point commendations for their 2015 Brunello and their 2010 Brunello Riserva).
Their Syrahs might not be quite as well known, but they’re often deeply rewarding, and some vintages, like this '18, are absolutely, positively worth pouncing on — especially when you factor in the score (94 points, James Suckling) and the price (less than $30 a bottle).
We're not alone in our love of Tuscan Syrahs. Noting the similarity to great Syrahs from Northern Rhône, Suckling has written that "they have a combination of richness and freshness that is unique to almost all reds in Tuscany. This bright acidity in the wines is attributed to the large thermal changes, from day temperatures that can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to nights in the 70s. It maintains the fresh acidity in the grapes, and therefore, the wines."
That's spot on, and this bottle is as fine an example of what he's talking about as I've come across in a while.
The grapes are grown in some of the most optimal terroir in all of Tuscany, in red and clayey soils, then aged after harvest in barrique.
It's no wonder that the nose, here, is so stunning and vibrant, with its delicate but persistent bouquet of red berry fruit. Or that there's so much concentrated intensity in the glass. Again, though, it's that freshness and streak of acidity that kept me coming back to this, long after our tastings had concluded.
Suckling, in his 94-point rave, called it "racy and structured," singling out its notes of blackberry, walnut, blueberry, hazelnut, slate and black pepper, and praising the beauty of its tannins and length.
At a best price of less than $30/bottle, that's a wine to stock up on!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2022. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. 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, MI, NY, TN, or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
