Gattinara Riserva 'San Francesco'

Score

95

"The 2015 Gattinara Riserva San Francesco is superb. A wine of energy and pure power, the 2015 possesses magnificent depth that only grows over time. The flavors lean towards to the darker end of the spectrum, with layers of spice, orange zest, menthol and licorice woven into a core of black cherry/plum fruit. The 2015 is an intense wine, and yet it boasts quite a bit of detail as well. Time in the glass brings out its more refined qualities, while the long finish is a thing of beauty"

Score

92

"Sourced from 60-year-old vines. There's a delightful purity of fruit and charm on the nose, which displays sweet, intense raspberry fruit as well as hints of roses and mint. It's rich and dense on the palate, with ample grip underlying a core of sweet fruit. Stylish and long. Another single-vineyard wine, 'Osso San Grato' is of similar quality."

Score

93

"Sour cherry, strawberry, leather, earth and mineral aromas and flavors mark this intense and supple red. Elegant, with viscosity and a great structure providing support. Features a long, energetic finish. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases made, 100 cases imported"

Score

92

"The 2013 Gattinara San Francesco is laced with hints of blood orange, spice, mint, leather and pipe tobacco. On the palate, the 2013 is a bit diffuse and not fully put together. That won't be an issue at the dinner table, where the wine should be enjoyed, but in a comparative tasting, the San Francesco is just a bit disjointed. It is the most ethereal and perfumed wine in this range"

Score

94

"Antoniolo’s famous Gattinara from the San Francesco vineyard (first planted in the 1960s) has produced in this vintage an elegant, rounded, maturing wine with notes of sweet tobacco, sandalwood and exotic spices. Warm and spicy sun-dried cherry fruit palate, bright acidity, a velvety texture, fine silky tannins and a long, poised finish."