2012 Petrolo Galatrona
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Tasting notes
Ripe and jammy aromas emerge from the bouquet of the 2012 Galatrona. This pure expression of Merlot remains sharp and delineated overall, but the extra time in the bottle has given prominence to the wine's inherently fruity side. The 2012 growing season was characterized by intense heat that lasted three weeks in August. The harvest came earlier as a result and crews went out to pick fruit on September 7th. This is a soft and deeply succulent wine with sweet cherry, blackberry, spice and marked aromas of balsam herb or rosemary twig. Some dried prune and raisin appears on the close. I recommend a medium-term drinking window.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Petrolo's flagship 2012 Galatrona (Merlot) shows off its typical opulence and voluptuousness, within the limits of the vintage. A host of dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and French oak overtones meld together effortlessly. The 2012 needs time in bottle to develop further aromatic complexity and shed some baby fat, but it is quite pretty today. As always, Galatrona shows the riper, richer side of Merlot.
"The violets and blackberries show wonderfully on the nose here, yet this remains subtle and complete with hints of walnuts. Full body, ultra-fine and firm tannins and a beautiful fruit and mineral undertone. Tight and substantial. So layered. Another example of finesse and beauty here with this pure Merlot. Better in 2018."
Ripe and jammy aromas emerge from the bouquet of the 2012 Galatrona. This pure expression of Merlot remains sharp and delineated overall, but the extra time in the bottle has given prominence to the wine's inherently fruity side. The 2012 growing season was characterized by intense heat that lasted three weeks in August. The harvest came earlier as a result and crews went out to pick fruit on September 7th. This is a soft and deeply succulent wine with sweet cherry, blackberry, spice and marked aromas of balsam herb or rosemary twig. Some dried prune and raisin appears on the close. I recommend a medium-term drinking window. May 2017, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Petrolo is one of Tuscany’s cult names. It is best known for Galatrona – a Merlot cuvée that is, along with Masseto, often described as the Pétrus of Tuscany.