TENUTA LUCE

TUSCANY, ITALY 2021
 

 

Why Buy: The inspired, superstar partnership of Mondavi and Frescobaldi continues to pay dividends in the wines of Tenuta Luce, and this gorgeous, 98-point Brunello from the stellar 2019 vintage –  the headliner of this Super Tuscan trio –  delivers all the power, depth, concentration, and length that critics have hailed for years, along with the trait that keeps this estate at the top of so many collectors' lists: a deep and abiding drinkability.

 

What They're Saying: James Suckling reveled in the "fantastic," 98-point Brunello di Montalcino 2019, singling out its "walnut and lavender undertones," its "very fine tannins that run the length of the wine and caress every inch of your palate," and its "fresh and vivid" profile. He also weighed in on the Lucente 2021, heaping praise, in a 94-point review, on its "svelte, fine tannins," its impressive "focus and structure," and its "extensive finish."

 

The Story: Just as Rothschild teamed with Mondavi to produce Opus One, so Mondavi – whose parents had left Le Marche to come to America – later did with Frescobaldi, joining forces with a family whose roots in Tuscany go back to the 1300s to create Tenuta Luce. Located high in the hills of Montalcino, the postcard-ready, sun-drenched vineyards of Luce are renowned for producing wines not just of distinction and intensity, but also of deep, hedonistic pleasure. Twenty-nine years after its founding, and backed by an impressive state-of-the-art winery, Luce stands, we believe, with Fontodi and Antinori in the privileged upper-tier of Super Tuscan producers. Call them, as we do, the super Super Tuscans.

 

Our Tasting Notes: 2019 was a great year for Brunello, with a slew of memorable bottlings; and this one is absolutely among them – a wine of density and heft, but also finesse, softness, and careful integration, and that reveals its many layers and dimensions as you sit with it and savor it. A brilliant and elegant Brunello, and one to stock up on. In the Luce, we found a Merlot-dominant wine that, for its price especially, was striking in its depth and length, with soft tannins that make it easy to drink and love. The Toscana, likewise, is built on a core of Merlot, with a good amount of Sangiovese to give it clarity and definition. Another great drinkable wine for pizza and pasta, but, like the Luce, with enough complexity and richness that it will also reward you at simple dinner parties.

 

Fun Fact: The Frescobaldis played a crucial role in the political and economic life of Florence, and commissioned works from a who's who of Italian greats, including Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Piero della Francesca.

 

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!

 

 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2024. 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 KS, MI, NY, or TN. The Lucente is not available in Stores 302, 303, 305, 306, 402, 501, 502, 505, 506, 507, 513, 521, 528, 531, and 535. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, May 29th, 2024.