Tenuta Argentiera "Villa Donoratico" Bolgheri Rosso DOC 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [TWI 94] [WA 93] [JD 93] [JS 93] [WE 93]

About the Winery:
The Argentiera Estate is situated on the coast of Tuscany about 100km southwest of Florence. In the prestigious DOC of Bolgheri, Argentiera is the estate closest to the sea and also highest in altitude, making the land especially well-suited to growing incredible red grapes. The estate is considered among the most beautiful in Italy with its spectacular view of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. The property stretches across 80 hectares of vines, all in the Bolgheri DOC. The soil composition varies throughout the vineyards, from sandy to calcareous and stony, offering complexity to the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. The wineries and cellars are made of recycled or traditional materials such as terracotta and baked roofing tiles. The vineyards are surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and the countryside is flush with maritime pines and olive tree groves.

About this Wine:

TASTING NOTES Rich, opulent, and forward on fruit. Punches above its weight for body, structure, and density. A full bodied, powerful red from Bolgheri that many Super Tuscans aspire to be.

CULTIVATION Grapes were handpicked and sorted.

BLEND 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

VINIFICATION All the varieties were vinified separately in stainless steel tanks for 20-25 days at a controlled temperature not above 28° C. The wine then completed malolactic fermentation in 225 liter French-oak barrels.

AGING The aging process lasted 12 months in barrels and at least another 10 months in bottles, prior to release.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The 2020 Argentiera Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico has cherry and cream aromas in broad brush strokes with a dark but ripe, bramble character too like black raspberry and raspberry leaf entwined in the sweet spice of oak. There is a very charming and seductive texture and weight on the palate with just the right amount of deep concentration of dark tart cherry and bramble flavors wrapped in creamy, oak and spice. It is very smartly done with lots of charm and appeal and a bright, refreshing acidity. The tannins are firm but refined on the finish. It is a super-stylish and well-made wine that is hard not to love.” – Susan Hulme (Jan 2023)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico shows ripe fruit and a greater oak presence with spice, tar, tobacco and smoked cedarwood. This full-bodied wine could almost be a Bolgheri Superiore, thanks to the depth, richness and importance of its flavor profile.” – Monica Larner (Jul 2022)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Layered and rich with aromas of cassis, luxurious oak spice, menthol, and lavender, the 2020 Villa Donoratico is full-bodied and maintains a characteristic soft and silky texture, with a long finish. Offering notes of rich kirsch, plum, and dusty earth, it is opulent, balanced, and a delicious expression for the range. Drink 2024-2034.” – Audrey Frick (Jan 2023)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"A chewy and rich red with blackberry, blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied. Lots of fruit and tannin structure. A little rough-edged now and needs three to four years to soften. Drink after 2025.” (Jun 2022)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Sanguine, earthy and metallic on the nose, with stones, gunpowder, black plums, blackberries and then a riot of herbs. Chocolate and more berries appears on the palate on top of heat and earth. Mouth filling and rich, but not overly lush thanks to tannins that form a tight but flexible net around everything." - Danielle Callegari (Mar 2023)