Argentiera 2013 75cl

Sporting a special ten-year anniversary label printed on silver paper, the 2013 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is a beautiful wine and is certainly the best expression I have yet to taste from Tenuta Argentiera. The results are smooth and silky, and the wine reveals beautiful integration and finesse. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc (aged in oak for 18 months). It is bursting with blackberry, dried cherry, spice, tobacco and grilled herb. The mouthfeel is firm and powerful, but never too heavy. The Tenuta Argentiera estate is really coming into its own and is showing steady and encouraging growth, year after year.<br/>There have been some big changes at Tenuta Argentiera this year. The estate changed ownership with the previous shareholders passing a majority stake over to Stanislaus Turnauer, an Austrian entrepreneur who heads Constantia Industries that makes innovating building materials. The Fratini brothers (the previous owner) have maintained ownership of the villa and Federico Zileri stays on as general manager. Tenuta Argentiera is one of Italy's most beautiful properties with 500 hectares of land that edge right up to the Tuscan seacoast lined with centuries-old olive groves and cypress trees. The property has 75 hectares of vines that are now entering their prime production years. According to Italian press, vineyard land in the Bolgheri DOC appellation sells from 350,000 to 500,000 Euros per hectare.

Shows some Bordeaux-like character, with underbrush elements that shout Tuscany. Black currant, cedar, tobacco, leather and wild herb notes gather around beefy tannins on the long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2019 through 2027. 2,000 cases made. –BS