| Score: |
96 AG.
"The 2010 La Ricolma is off the charts. A Merlot with distinctly savory Tuscan overtones, the 2010 literally jumps from the glass with layers of expressive jammy black cherries, sage, menthol and cloves. Ripe yet also structured, the 2010 is endowed with formidable tannins that will require time to soften, which they have already begun to do over the last few months. Over the last few years, San Giusto has made an effort to slow down maturation as much as possible by starting work in the vineyards late in the season and generally encouraging slow, late ripening, which is a challenge with Merlot, a precocious grape. To be sure, that is an approach that also entails considerable risk to the crop, as the likelihood of inclement weather increases as the growing season progresses. As always, the Ricolma is the most overt, fruit-driven of the San Giusto wines, but in 2010 finesse, elegance and silkiness rules the day. Wow!" Vinous, Aug 2013 |