Brancaia Il Blu Toscana 2020

96 points James Suckling: "Attractive blueberries, brambles and cherries with spiced orange peel and lilac blossom, as well as some smoky dark spices and cocoa. Full, concentrated and very tense, with tightly packed but very polished and fine tannins. Shows a succulence and vibrancy to the fruit with a mineral, slightly chalky finish. A blend of merlot, sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Try now, but better after 2025. (Aug 2023)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2020 Il Blu is superb. Dark and mysterious at first, the Blu offers up an exotic mélange of blue fruits, mocha, new leather, licorice and lavender. Bright acids play off some of the more over leanings beautifully. Il Blu has long been one of the most distinctive wines in Chianti Classico. The 2020 is another fine edition of Il Blu, a wine I have followed since the 1990s. (Aug 2023)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] Shows a resinous note from the oak that envelops ripe black cherry, plum, leather, mineral and tobacco flavors. This red just keeps building in intensity and fruit on the palate, ending with a succulent, fruit- and spice-infused aftertaste. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2025 through 2040. (Oct 2023)"

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "This is an organic blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that enjoys near iconic status here in Tuscany. Thanks to its long track record, you can count on this Tuscan blended red to deliver top quality. The Brancaia 2020 Il Blu is a full-bodied red with sweet fruit flavors and a rich, velvety texture. Drink 2023-2038 (Sep 2023)"

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Dark ruby red with a subtle brightening edge. On the nose spicy and elegant with ripe sour cherries, blackcurrants, plus fine use of wood. On the palate juicy with clear, well-developed fruit, with still young tannin, needs some more time; salty and punchy in the finish. (Feb 2024)"