2020 Sondraia

The Poggio al Tesoro 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia (in a heavy bottle) is a big wine on all levels, with dark fruit, spicy bay leaf, exotic curry leaf, rose, tea and barbecued spice. The wine is actually quite rich, broad and textured in terms of mouthfeel. No part of the palate is untouched, as it is swept over with sweet tannins and very generous fruit. It is almost too much of good thing, with a 15% alcohol content. This is a production of 45,000 bottles.

Displaying a dark red/garnet color, the 2020 Sondraia is made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. It’s forward with oak-spiced aromas of toasted vanilla bean, cedar, cassis, sage, and black licorice. Full-bodied, it’s surprisingly light on its feet, with evenly balanced acidity, a supple texture, and ripe tannins. Its oak needs time to integrate, as it’s quite forward as well on the palate, but for a luxurious style, it’s going to do well if cellared appropriately. Drink 2026-2040.

The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. A classic Bolgheri red, it offers up copious dark-toned fruit along with complicating notes of dried herbs, menthol, licorice, mocha, lavender and espresso.