2013 Petrolo Galatrona IGT Tuscany

(97+ Points)  The 2013 Galatrona pretty much sold out in pre sales before it's official release last year. The quality is outstanding and the Merlot grape offers a heightened sense of sharpness and focus in a slightly cooler vintage such as this. Galatrona exhibits a plush and rich bouquet that is embellished with soft cherry and blackberry nuances followed by spice, sweet tobacco, chocolate and crushed granite. The wine is amply fleshed out and generous. It offers an incredible sense of overall balance and irresistible drinking pleasure.

During my last visit to Petrolo, Luca Sanjust offered to organize a mini vertical of his flagship wine Galatrona. How could I resist? Galatrona is one of Italy's top Merlots and the wine has done much to establish the grape's heritage outside celebrated areas such as Pomerol. In fact, the wine is often compared to great expressions from France, but ultimately Galatrona is most distinguished by its sweet and sunny Tuscan disposition. Galatrona was first produced in 1994 and fruit comes from a single vineyard site located adjacent to Petrolo's main building and winery. The wine was produced every year since then, except 1996. Luca tells me that wild boars ate the entire production that year. Just a few dozen bottles of the 1994, 1995 and 1997 vintages still exist at the winery today. Sadly, Luca only has two bottles of the excellent 2007 vintage in his possession. Wine Advocate