2016 Tenuta Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore
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Tasting notes
In 2016, Bolgheri suffered a drought until the end of August, when the season saw some rain that allowed for recovery from the stress. Overall, what strikes me about the 2016 vintage is its clarity and focus. A reflective and deep red color, the 2016 Argentiera opens in the glass to very well-detailed aromas of cassis, tobacco, graphite, and toasted rosemary. The palate is full-bodied but refined, with a supple and inviting texture, well-balanced structure, a refreshing spine of acidity, lots of purity, and a fantastically long, haunting finish. It’s going to age slowly over the coming two decades.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. There's a lovely leafy note on the palate, and classic tomato-leaf character. This is strongly reminiscent of good St-Émilion, whereas the Sondraia is much more New World in style. (RH)
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Bottled in 2017. Released January 2019. Aged in barriques and tonneaux (50% new) for more than 16 months and then blended. Matured, if not grown, under the auspices of the new Austrian owner. Rich, warm nose but fresh and lively on the end. Quite long with a hint of balsam. Quite dense with a little velvety texture and some energy. (JR)
The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the Cabernet Sauvignon logically feels and tastes most prominent. This is a dark and penetrating Tuscan red that is beautifully elevated, thanks to the extremely elegant and buoyant quality of the aromas. They lift gracefully from the glass with light-footed, almost fleeting character. However, don't underestimate the power and the concentration of the wine, because this vintage delivers both with abundance. I've had my eye on this estate since the vineyards were first planted some 20 years ago, and there is no doubt that this vintage brings Tenuta Argentiera into a new era as a Bolgheri protagonist. Some 80,000 bottles were made.