Villa Antinori 2018 IGT Toscana Rosso

Antinori is a world-famous producer of Tuscan wines, their history going back literally centuries. The Villa Antinori is the estate where the Chianti Classico wines have been produced for many years. This wine is a natural progression from their Chianti Classico. As the Antinori's recognized how non-native grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot added to Sangiovese raised the level of quality of their wine they started blending more and more and finally could no longer use the DOC designation and so it became a Super Tuscan IGT. But the quality they have reached is exceptional, especially as they've experimented more with aging in small oak barrels.

This wine received extended maceration and 12 months aging in French, Hungarian and American oak. In 2018 grape harvest began right on schedule starting with Merlot and Syrah during the second half of September and Sangiovese at the beginning of October. Late-ripening varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, were picked the first week of October. This year’s harvest was average size but excellent in terms of maturity and quality overall.

Decanter Magazine scored this 92 points saying "Villa Antinori of the Antinori family was first created in 1928. Roast meat and coconut provide complexity to a rich nose of dark fruits. Great concentration of fresh but ripe cherry and mulberry, spiced by liquorice and dark coffee. Ageing in French, Hungarian and American oak provides a pleasantly chewy texture, poised with elegant acids. Warm coconut and dark spices on the long finish. A treat at an affordable price."

James Suckling scored this 91 points saying "A bright, vivid red with blackberries, blueberries and some violets and spices. Medium body, ultra fine tannins and a delicious finish. Succulent and very clean. A blend of sangiovese, syrah, merlot and cabernet franc."