(70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot). Deep ruby-red. Perfumed, spicy aromas of red cherry, vanilla, underbrush and cedar. Then rich and ripe on the palate, but with harmonious acidity providing clarity and cut to the red cherry, sweet spice and menthol flavors. Finishes smooth and very long. The vineyard was planted in 2004 with the alberello training system, which requires harvesting by hand. This is a very rare example of a wine made not as an assemblage but rather by co-fermenting the three varieties together (they are also harvested together). Winemakers Luca Marrone and Maurizio Castelli feel that the aromatic potential of the wine is fully achieved this way. I especially like the fact that the cabernet franc shows through and actually dominates the cabernet sauvignon, adding a measure of refinement and perfume that is very enticing. Fantastic wine. 94(+?) points

The 2009 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is considerably darker and richer than the Alberello. Dark cherries, smoke, licorice, incense and spices burst from the glass as this authoritative, powerful wine shows off its class and pedigree. Today the tannins are a bit firm, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue in another few years. The 2009 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese. Drink. 2014-2024. 93 points