2001 Antinori, Bolgheri, Guado Al Tasso 1x750ml

Robert Parker 95

Tenuta Belvedere is the Antinori property in Bolgheri, once part of an enormous estate from which the vineyards of both Ornellaia and Sassicaia were carved out. After an excellent 1998, the wines of both 1999 and, particularly, 2000 were significantly less successful, but the 2001 Guado al Tasso should help forget this temporary unevenness. A dense ruby with purple highlights, the wine is loaded with aromas and flavors of perfectly ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, minerals, sage, and thyme. The wine is more fragrant and more finely-spun than Antinori’s other Bordeaux wine, Solaia, but there is no lack of concentration and density here, though both are tempered by a satiny texture and polished tannins which are all elegance and breed. Drink: 2006-2021. Importer: Remy Amerique, New York, NY; tel. (212) 424-2202 [Daniel Thomases, 04/24/2006]

Anticipated maturity: 2006-2021