2021 Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore

The Argentiera 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) is quite dense and rich, showing the bold intensity of the vintage in no uncertain terms. The wine feels too extracted to my tastes and marks quite a step up in richness compared to the thinner 2022 vintage that I tasted at the same time. The bouquet offers blackberry liqueur and syrupy black cherry with spicy notes. The tannins are fleshed out for the most part, with a point of bitterness that still needs to settle. The 2022 is thinner and easier to drink, but this 2021 needs a few more years of bottle age to iron out. 95+ points

The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is a classy, polished red. Crushed flowers, mocha and cinnamon meld into a core of red-toned fruit. Aromatic and light on its feet, the 2021 offers plenty of Bolgheri richness, but in a restrained, vibrant style that is hugely appealing. 94 points