San Leonardo 2016 Terre, IGT Dolomiti

Tenuta San Leonardo enjoys a temperate climate that benefits from the Ora del Garda wind. San Leonardo has approximately 50 acres of vineyards planted with international varietals that thrive in the varied microclimates of the estate. The majority of the vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, but Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Merlot are also abundant. Cultivation is focused on low yields and highly concentrated grapes. The resulting wines have a great depth, concentration and an aristocratic finesse that can go toe-to-toe against the world's finest Bordeaux blends.

This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Carmenère fermented in cement tanks and aged 80% in cement tank and 20% in French barriques for 6 months before bottling.

Wine Advocate scored this 92 points saying "This is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère with fruit contributions from across the estate vineyard holdings. The well-priced 2016 Terre di San Leonardo is a terrific sounding board not only for the vintage and its classic lines but also for the unique San Leonardo territory and microclimate at the Adige River bed between mountain peaks. The wine opens to a medium-light appearance with dark garnet highlights. The aromas are delicate and soft, with a lot of blue flower and wild rose. A refreshing layer of forest berry and cassis come next, and the bouquet finishes up with mulling spice and smoke. There is a point of sour cherry or cranberry on the finish. This is a large production, with 95,000 bottles."

Vinous scored this 91 points saying "The 2016 Terre di San Leonardo Rosso is an excellent introduction to the producer and their style. The wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Carmenère from younger vines, yet the same terroir of the flagship San Leonardo. The bigger difference here is in the composition, with Merlot taking a front seat to Carmenère, and in the aging, using a blend of 80% concrete and 20% French oak for a shorter period of time. That said, the Terre di San Leonardo is intended to be the fresher and more immediate wine of the house. Crushed black cherries, wild, peppery herbs, crushed stone and hints of animal musk can be found in the glass. It trades power for tension, displaying a mix of tart woodland red and black berry fruits, complemented by zesty acids and minerals with just a hint of sweet spice. Its structure is present yet doesn’t overwhelm."