Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri 2022

The Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso (a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot) is an unexpected wine. I was prepared for more overt ripeness but instead was greeted by a delightful mineral note of graphite or lead pencil that gives much needed contouring to this full-bodied Tuscan red. The wine is velvety and richly textured at its core, but it is also seamless with very pleasurable sweetness. All new oak adds hints of vanilla and spice. If you follow this wine, you'll notice that the percentage of Cabernet Franc has been increasing in tiny notches over the years. "Blending is key to achieving balance in a vintage like this," says Marchesi Antinori Managing Director Renzo Cotarella.

An expressive, polished red, featuring black cherry, blackberry, floral, iron and oak spice aromas and flavors. Fluid and juicy, with refined tannins for support and echoes of fruit and spices on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2028 through 2042.