Community Tasting Notes 16

• forceberry wrote: 96 points

  November 20, 2020 - A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Carménère (20%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (10%). First fermented and aged for 6 months in large oak casks, then transferred to oak barriques where the wine is aged for 24 months. 13% alcohol.
  
  Somewhat translucent and slightly developed blackish-red color with a lighter brick-red rim. Dry, savory nose with complex aromas of ripe blackcurrants, herbaceous notes of red bell pepper and chipotle, some smoky tones, light evolved notes of wizened figs, a little bit of gamey meat, a woody hint of pencil shavings and a touch of tobacco. Very lovely! The wine is dry, firm and quite savory on the palate with a medium body and vibrant, mature flavors of roasted bell pepper, wizened blackcurrants, some powdered bell pepper, a little bit of leather and rustic funky character, light tertiary notes of beef jerky, an umami hint of hoi sin and a smoky, herbaceous touch of chipotle. The overall feel is silky and harmonious with the high acidity and fully resolved yet still enjoyably firm medium tannins. The long finish is dry and complex with acid-driven flavors of tart lingonberries, smoky tertiary character, some brambly raspberry, light herbaceous notes of bell pepper, a little bit of leathery funk, a hint of wizened red plum and a tertiary, salty-savory touch of hoi sin.
  
  Oh wow. This was pretty much exactly like a classic old-school Bordeaux with its firm, balanced structure, herbaceous bell pepper tones, wonderfully evolved fruit flavors of wizened blackcurrants and an understated hint of rustic barnyard funk. This is about as proper as proper clarets come, never mind it comes from Italy, not Bordeaux. Outstanding stuff - I could sit there, just sniffing the captivating bouquet all day long. Peaking now; most likely the wine will keep for many more years, but since I doubt the wine is going anywhere from here, I'd say there is no point in aging this any further. Drink now or within the next handful of years. Very highly recommended.

  Comment

• Lype Likes this wine:

  April 27, 2020 - Nicely open and drinking well, bell pepper, leafy greenness, pickle, quite good.

  Comment

• igaf Likes this wine:

  April 27, 2020 - Leafy, herbal, crushed forest berries, and slightly wet foliage and mint on the nose, very complex, developed. Absolutely lovely, juicy, intense palate and so elegant! Lots of sour red berries, very-very long. Some prunes in the aftertaste. Nice texture, soft enough tannins and a very good structure. Excellent.

  Comment

• OldKingBalthazar Likes this wine:

  August 4, 2019 - This was very elegant and vegetal on the palate. Pretty complex with good acidity. Green peppercorn, bell pepper, and earth prominent throughout the experience. This was a very expressive and good cool climate cabernet sauvignon from Alto Adige. Drink up if you have’em.

  Comment

• Omar Khayyam Likes this wine: 92 points

  March 24, 2018 - DBYOB (stockholm): I was so sure this was the Bordeaux in the trio! Lots of cassis, and some ceder wood, some laurels and tobacco, but mostly it was quite dry and with an elegant demeanor. Wow, this was also a lot older than I thought.

  Comment

Pro Reviews 4

Wine Definition

• Vintage 1996
• Type Red
• Producer Tenuta San Leonardo
• Varietal Red Bordeaux Blend
• Designation San Leonardo
• Vineyard n/a
• Country Italy
• Region Trentino-Alto Adige
• SubRegion Trentino
• Appellation Vallagarina IGT

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 96 (55%)
• Consumed 80 (45%)

Food Pairing

Who Likes This Wine

More About This Wine