Luce Della Vite 'Luce' Toscana 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [WS 95] [DM 95]

About this winery:
In 1995, Vittorio Frescobaldi of Italy's venerable Marchesi de' Frescobaldi joined forces with Napa Valley icon Robert Mondavi to produce a Tuscan red called Luce della Vite. The grapes came from vineyards in Montalcino, adjacent to the Frescobaldis' Castelgiocondo estate. Luce was the first wine from Montalcino made by blending Sangiovese and Merlot grapes, matching the roundness and softness of Merlot with the elegance and structure of Sangiovese.

About the Vintage:
The 2021 vintage was ushered in by a mild, dry winter, except for a brief snowfall in early February. March brought above-average temperatures, which encouraged a slightly early budbreak at the end of the month in early April for Sangiovese, and in the first week of April for Merlot. Mild conditions were abruptly reversed on April 8-9, when a significant drop in temperatures brought a freeze throughout Tuscany. The siting of our vineyards spared them heavy damage, since the early-ripening varieties, those most susceptible to frost damage, lie at higher elevations, where the risk of freeze damage is less. The precipitate temperature change, though, did slow vine growth until late May. With the rise in temperatures beginning in June, the vines started to develop again in accord with the seasonal norm, with flowering occurring between the 2nd and 3rd weeks of the month. A hot, dry summer then set in, through mid-August, when two providential rains arrived, bringing 45mm on 20 August and 20mm on 24 August. This lowered temperatures and restored soil water levels to optimal levels, right at a crucial period coinciding with the start of the actual cluster ripening period. September was textbook perfect, with sun-filled days and significant day-night differentials as much as 15°C, which favoured high concentrations of aromatic precursors and polyphenols in the grapes.

Tasting Notes:

Luce 2021 displays a remarkably intense ruby red colour. On the nose, dark fruit notes stand out, primarily wild blackberry and mulberry, lifted by delicate nuances of sweet violets and other blossoms, and smooth impressions of mixed spices. The palate swifty reveals the wine’s innate character and elegance. Its notably broad volume is enlarged even further by impressive, silk-smooth tannins, crafting a very balanced mid-palate crowned by a near-endless, spice-infused finish

Blend: 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot
Aging Barriques: 80% new, 20% one year old
Maturation: 24 months
ABV: 15%

96 Points - James Suckling:
Blackcurrants, minerals, mint and hints of chocolate follow through to a medium to full body with linear fruit and tannins that run the length of the wine. The tannins are extremely polished, with beauty and style. Needs three or four years to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Aromas and flavors of lavender, plum, black cherry, vanilla, earth and resin are the hallmarks of this concentrated yet lively red. Firm, ripe tannins give the finish grip for now, yet this red is complex and long, with all of its components in the right place. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2042. 10,833 cases made, 850 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2024)

95 Points - Decanter:
Wild blackberry and blackcurrant are densely packed in. Pliant, chewy tannins seem lost in layers of fruit, yet this remains properly corseted. Penetrating acidity lends energy, and hints of thyme, Mediterranean shrub and mocha add further intrigue. His second year at the helm, winemaker Alessandro Marini favoured slightly shorter maceration times – just 18 to 20 days for Sangiovese – to avoid over-extracting in this hot, fully charged vintage. A wine to sink your teeth into – eventually.

93+ Points - Vinous:
The 2021 is an incredibly floral rendition of Luce, displaying a seductive bouquet of dried rose petals and incense coming together with sawdust and crushed blueberries. It’s cool-toned and sleek with a radiant core of red and black fruits underscored by saline minerals and a whiplash of brilliant acidity. Edgy tannins come forward through the close as the 2021 remains primary yet juicy. Sour cranberry mingle with licorice and spice on the finish. The fresh persona that Luce has taken on in recent years has propelled this label well beyond past expectations. (Drink starting 2026)

92 Points - Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux:
"Classic Luce, with its grippy tannins, grilled sandalwood, caress of rose petal, followed up by raspberry, red cherry puree, baking spice, liqourice and dried herbs on the finish. Darker ruby in colour, more so than many of the Tuscans in the lineup, reflective of 80% new oak and the more contemporary style, with Merlot adding roundess through the palate and tannic pressure on the close of play. Nicolo d’Afflitto director, Alessandro Marini winemaker." - (Feb 2024)