Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore 2018

Three Glasses Gambero Rosso: "The Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco ’18 has the stuff of a champion. Never forced, perfectly extracted, it plays on clear, fruity hints of freshly picked small red berries combined with equally delicate and refreshing herbaceous nuances. In the mouth it exhibits fine tannins and an iodized stroke that lengthens the palate, taking it far. (2022)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Grattamacco is the most elegant, refined and satisfying wine I have ever tasted from Grattamacco. There is a level of finesse here that is simply unreal. Bright and translucent, with tons of detail, the 2018 oozes with pedigree. Lavender, spice, mint, tobacco and dried flowers add an attractive upper register. Drink: 2026-2043. (Jul 2022)"

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "Coming on the heels of the scorching hot 2017, this vintage started off with lots of rain in April and May that required preventative measures against fungal disease. Splendid heat and sunshine marked the summer months, but the freshness you taste in this wine is a beautiful characteristic of this cooler growing season. The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco reveals a finely nuanced bouquet with dark fruit, tobacco, smoke and earthy garrigue or underbrush. The wine leans toward full-bodied, but it also feels quite elegant and crisp on the streamlined finish. Drink: 2023-2040. (Jul 2022)"

96 points Wine & Spirits: "[$100 list] This wine is packed with pure flavors of blackcurrant and raspberry buoyed by brisk acidity. A blend of cabernet sauvignon with 20 percent merlot and 15 percent sangiovese, Grattamacco aged in French oak barriques, about one-third new, where the lightly chewy tannins developed, giving shape to the bold, primary fruit tones. The wine takes on notes of graphite and fresh tobacco, while lively spices energize the fruit, drawing out the flavors on a long, exuberant finish. (Oct 2021)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "With a nose is more lifted and driven by Sangiovese, the 2018 Grattamacco is fresh with menthol, pine, and red cherry. The structure lends more to the medium-bodied side, with a linear feel, but the wine is fantastic for its elegance and transparency. It reveals a cooling wet stone minerality and texture, with vibrant energy and fine tannins, and it is savory with dried herbs on the finish. Drink 2024-2044. (Jan 2023)."

96 points Falstaff: "Clear, rich ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The exciting and multi-layered nose initially shows fine notes of cedar wood, and something resinous, then is full of fresh currants and raspberries. The palate is very juicy, opening with fine-meshed, grippy tannins. Savoury and long. Alcohol 14.5%. (8/27/21)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$100 list] A mix of coffee and black olive flavors shade the core of black currant and black cherry in this dense, linear red, which is focused and long, with a mouthwatering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2024 through 2040. 4,100 cases made, 430 cases imported. (10/31/21)"

94 points James Suckling: "Currants, blackberries and hints of chocolate and fresh herbs. Full-bodied and round-tannined with a lovely texture and a savory, almost iron finish. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese. From organically grown grapes. Hard not to drink now, but a year or two will bring it even more together. (8/4/21)"

93 points Aldo Fiordelli (Decanter): "The 2018 vintage - according to the estate - produced 'legant wines, characterised by their aromatic intensity'. If Sangiovese usually brings tension to Grattamacco compared to other Bolgheri superiore based on Bordeaux blends, this year it reveals a slightly greenish touch on the finish. However there is in the glass a great intensity of earthy tones among black pepper and game, then cassis and cedar wood flavours sustained by silky tannins well integrated with firm acidity and just a bit austere finish. Drinking Window: 2021-2035. (Jun 2021)"