Antinori - Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore 2017 (750ml)

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. This wine has been produced since 1990 from vineyards on alluvial soils whose composition ranges from clay-sand to clay-loam with rocky deposits know as “scheletro”.

From a warm and sunny vintage that produced darkly concentrated fruit, the Tenuta Guado al Tasso 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a teaser and a super pleaser. This is one flashy wine. This carefully calculated blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot pours from the bottle with a beautifully saturated and rich color. I double-decanted my sample before writing this review, and the wine's aromas showed immediate harmony and intensity. The wine seduces and flirts with all your senses. This vintage caps many years of study regarding blending: The Merlot is slightly decreased here, and the Cabernet Franc is slowly taking on a more important supporting role. The Petit Verdot that was used as a peppery accent two years ago has now been removed altogether. The results are pliant, seamless and fluid, and that's the big takeaway here. The wine is bountiful, round, supple and full-bodied. Unless you are decidedly not a fan of this style, there's nothing not to love. I had anticipated more tightness in terms of possible hot-vintage tannins, but I am very pleased by the general integration of the mouthfeel. The Guado al Tasso vineyards are located not too far from the sea, at a low elevation of about 60 meters above sea level. The soils are alluvial with a unique mix of limestone clay and sand, with pockets of rocks and are generally known as the Bolgheri Agglomerate.

The opulent style typical of Guado al Tasso is confirmed this year. In warm vintages such as 2011, for example, it demonstrated character and power not without grace or personality. This vintage shows great fruit concentration with a floral touch, with ripe, forward cassis aroma and dark chocolate flavour. Still vinous on the palate, it shines for its youthfulness. Silky tannins give a slightly drier finish, but this is very well balanced for long ageing.
 

A big, very rich red with powerful fruit and tannins, yet always polished and beautiful. Intense vanilla to the underlying ripe currants and blackberries. Full-bodied, very tight and polished. Drink after 2022, when it will be more together.

Impressive, featuring concentrated black currant and blackberry flavors, shaded by iron, black pepper, bell pepper and oak spice notes. The tannins show the assertive character of the vintage, overshadowing the fruit on the finish for now. Vibrant and long. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2033.

The 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is layered with red cherry, plum, licorice and dried flower notes. There is plenty of energy and tension. It will be interesting to see if the tannins soften a bit. Today, the 2017 is a bit assertive, but that may soften in time. We will see.