2022 Cont'Ugo Bolgheri

Taking on a deep red/magenta hue, the 2022 Cont'Ugo features dusty cedar, fruit leather, baking spice, and fresh earth aromas. Full-bodied, it displays a gamey richness, with chewy tannins and a fleshy quality throughout. A plush texture and a graceful tapering finish complement its weightless feel. Enjoy over the next 10 years. 184,000 bottles were produced. The wines for this report were tasted both at the winery with winemaker, Marco Ferrarese, as well as in repeat tastings with the Consorzio.

The 2022 Cont'Ugo, 100% Merlot, offers terrific freshness, especially for the year. There's a bit of edginess in the tannin from the challenges of the growing season. Even so, what comes through most is the move toward greater vibrancy in the wines.

This is a wonderfully polished and creamy red. Notes of chocolate biscuits, dark plums, cloves and dark cherries on the nose, as well as some graphite, followed by a full-bodied, plush and supple palate. Merlot. Drink now or hold.