Castello Romitorio Toscana RomiTòro 2018

93+ points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$29 list] The previous vintage of this wine carried the name Il Toro, but the wine has been renamed with this vintage. In archaic Italian, the name RomiTorò translates as Romitorio. The Castello Romitorio 2018 RomiTòro is made with equal parts Syrah and Petit Verdot, all aged in oak for 10 months. This edition opens to an inky dark appearance followed by a thick and succulent texture. It offers a certain firmness to the tannins and a thinner spot on the mid-palate that thickens quickly as the wine hits the palate. Dark plum, prune and blackberry emerge at the top. Lighter notes of spice, smoke and tar also appear. Pair this wine with your favorite steak dinner. Some 44,437 bottles were made. The wine was bottled in December 2019 and hits the market in February 2020. RomiTòro is one of the great value wines to emerge from Tuscany. Drink: 2021-2030. (Jan 2020)"

93 points James Suckling: "Cherries and blackberries with some floral and walnut character. Medium-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a delicious finish. Easy to appreciate the polish and finesse to this. Give it a year or two to come together. Try after 2021. (7/28/20)"

92 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2018 Romitorio Toscana is fresh and lifted on the nose – unexpectedly so, showing smoky cherry and citrus-tinged blackberry with savory herbs. On the palate, silky textures contrast spicy raspberry fruit, as saline-minerals and zesty acids add grip under an air of inner violet florals. The finish is long, showing saturating red berry tones and hints of youthful tannin. This blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot is already rocking, yet a few years of cellaring should reveal even further depths. Drink: 2020-2026. (Jun 2020)"