Tenuta di Trinoro is the eponymous flagbearer of the Trinoro estate, a rare wine, the blend of which is vintage-dependent. Cabernet Franc and Merlot tend to dominate, with varying amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Andrea gets particularly excited by Cabernet Franc as it enjoys the conditions here and can ripen fully - not always easy in Bordeaux. The first commercial vintage was 1997, when it was offered with Palazzi, 100% Merlot – just two wines. Both wowed the wine world by their surprising intensity, the vines being then so very young. Andrea’s high density planting and savagely restricted production put paid to the generally dilute character expected of young vine fruit.
"100% Merlot as always, this has something of a 2015 profile, being a cooler year. A longer hang period thereby adds intensity. Merlot did really well in 2018, despite the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the year (according to Carlo’s brutal honesty – although if we accept the analogy more Hyde and Jekyll - with more benevolent conditions during the second part of the year). Deep ruby velvet, this reveals a warming, endearing nose, rich in black and red berries and cherries, with hints of fresh herbs and gentle spice – rather lovely. The palate, opulent and seductive, exudes elegance and finesse, underpinned by energetic minerality and upbeat acidity. The structure serves as a perfect foil to the abundance of expressive, ripe fruit.
Monica Larner – 97 Points
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Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and olive groves make it one of the world’s most stunning wine regions, yet it is also Italy’s oldest, dating back to the Etruscans.Â
