2009 La Ricolma
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Tasting notes
The 2009 La Ricolma is dark, rich and sensual from the very first taste. Cinnamon, iron, rose petal, dried flowers, mint and sweet red cherry all open up effortlessly in the glass. Deep, ample and layered on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2009 is positively stunning. Most wines in this complete vertical are marked by one or two strong characteristics. The 2009, on the other hand, stands out for its exceptional balance and bearing. Today, it is positively gorgeous.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 La Ricolma is gorgeous. Blackberries, graphite, smoke and violets are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. San Giusto's Ricolma is differentiated from most of other Tuscan Merlots for its firm sense of structure and generous tannin, both of which place it closer to Sangiovese than Merlot stylistically. There are more famous (and more expensive!) Merlots being made in Tuscany, but few that consistently reach this level of excellence. Firm tannins suggest the 2009 should be cellared for a handful of years. It is a stellar wine in every way.
The 2009 La Ricolma is gorgeous. Blackberries, graphite, smoke and violets are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. San Giusto’s Ricolma is differentiated from most of other Tuscan Merlots for its firm sense of structure and generous tannin, both of which place it closer to Sangiovese than Merlot stylistically. There are more famous (and more expensive!) Merlots being made in Tuscany, but few that consistently reach this level of excellence. Firm tannins suggest the 2009 should be cellared for a handful of years. It is a stellar wine in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2027. San Giusto a Rentennano is one of Italy’s leading estates. Brothers Luca and Francesco Martini di Cigala are quiet and unassuming. They prefer to let the wines speak for themselves, which they do with great eloquence. Readers might want to check out my complete vertical of San Giusto’s flagship Percarlo, also in Issue 201. From top to bottom, these remain some of the most reasonably priced wines in the world considering the pure quality of what goes into the bottle. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887
About the producer
San Giusto a Rentennano is one of the leading producers in the Chianti Classico region. Its 100% Merlot Super Tuscan La Ricolma and 100% Sangiovese cuvée, Percarlo, are two of the most consistent and collected fine wines in Tuscany.