1997 Tenuta San Leonardo Vallagarina
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Tasting notes
The 1997 San Leonardo is stunning from the first tilt of the glass. The wine shows wonderfully mature but still vibrant, bright cherries laced with white pepper and geranium. Hints of moist earth come forward. Silky, deep and fleshy textures prevail, yet they are in perfect balance. Ripe red and black fruits soothe, offset by salty mineral and herbal tones. It's savory, perfumed and quite long, as if you could actually taste the aromatics of a floral bouquet, with a hint of residual tannins tugging at the cheeks. Today, the 1997 is a pure pleasure to taste, and it has years of development left in store for the patient collector.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1997 San Leonardo comes from a landmark vintage that was characterized by warm temperatures and very little rainfall. In fact, 1997, 1995 and 1990 are similar in terms of the general lack of rain. Of course, that dryness helped to contribute to greater concentration and intensity of fruit. This is a powerful and gorgeous expression that bursts open with dark fruit aromas, spice, leather, cola, tar, licorice, wet earth, porcino mushroom and grilled herbs. Of particular beauty are the delicate floral tones of violet and rose that linger softly in the background. The wine is full and generous with excellent tannin management. There are no sharp edges here. Instead, the wine is round and soft on the palate. This is a true standout that will stand the test of time. It should be decanted up to three hours before serving.
This powerful, full-bodied, muscular 1997 lacks finesse and charm, but compensates for that in its full-throttle, extracted personality. There are copious quantities of plum, cherry, and new oak flavors. If this wine develops as it should over the next decade, it will merit a score in the high eighties. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
This powerful, full-bodied, muscular 1997 lacks finesse and charm, but compensates for that in its full-throttle, extracted personality. There are copious quantities of plum, cherry, and new oak flavors. If this wine develops as it should over the next decade, it will merit a score in the high eighties. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 137 Oct 2001