Coming on the heels of the scorching hot 2017, this vintage started off with lots of rain in April and May that required preventative measures against fungal disease. Splendid heat and sunshine marked the summer months, but the freshness you taste in this wine is a beautiful characteristic of this cooler growing season. The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco reveals a finely nuanced bouquet with dark fruit, tobacco, smoke and earthy garrigue or underbrush. The wine leans toward full-bodied, but it also feels quite elegant and crisp on the streamlined finish.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese. 18 months in oak, combination of barrique and tonneaux. The Cabernet is the dominant force on the nose with pure blackcurrant fruit. Cedar spice too. Ripe and generous on the palate, seems to share DNA with both Napa and Bordeaux, all with Tuscan styling giving that distinctive bitter character. Long, fragrant and refined, with beautifully resolved tannins. Really gratifying, appetising savoury finish: liquorice and graphite. Excellent. (RH)

Certified organic by ICEA. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Perfumed cherry and cassis with a subtle note of cigar box. Polished fruit with gravelly tannins; skilfully oaked. Succulent and perhaps lacking a touch in concentration but, for that, you get elegance and freshness. Very attractive right now. (WS)