James Suckling 94
Top Value Wines 2020 # 94
"Lots of orange peel to the ripe and beautiful cherries. Its full-bodied with chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. A gorgeous, intense wine. One of the best basic VNMs from here for a long time. Drink or hold."

Wine Enthusiast 94
Editor's Choice
"Full bodied and savory, this lovely wine opens with aromas of wild cherry, camphor, sunbaked earth and baking spice. It's smooth and delicious, doling out juicy black cherry, ripe plum, cinnamon and white pepper. Polished, enveloping tannins provide elegant support while a licorice note lingers on the close."

Vinous Media 93
"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano packs a serious punch, yet retains plenty of Sangiovese character. Wild red cherry, tobacco, cedar, mint, licorice and spice all burst from the glass. The combination of richness and vibrancy makes for a compelling Vino Nobile that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. -- Antonio Galloni"

Wine Spectator 92
"Savory wild herb aromas and flavors are matched to ripe cherry and plum fruit in this smooth red, which is firm and lively, with accents of earth and tobacco chiming in on the finish. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Best from 2022 through 2036. 9,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported. BS"

The Wine
A blend of 90 Prugnolo Gentile and 10 Canaiolo Nero. The vineyards, ranging 15-40 years old, are planted at a South/Southwest exposure in the Bossona and Martiena Crus. Fermentation occurs naturally and lasts for 18-22 days. The wine is then aged in large oak casks for 18-24 months and cellared in the bottle for an additional six months before release.

The Estate
The Dei family produced their first wines from their estate in the heart of the historic appellation of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in 1985. Now run by Caterina Dei, the estate has become one of the leaders in the region, producing lush, perfumed, fruit-driven wines that are exquisite expressions of the local Prugnolo clone of Sangiovese, blended with small amounts of Canaiolo, Mammolo, and Merlot.

The vineyards, on the slopes below the picturesque town of Montepulciano, extend over 52 hectares and are divided mainly between the crus of Martiena and Bossona. The Vino Nobile Riserva Bossona, which comes entirely from the best positions in that Cru, is considered one of the best expressions of the Montepulciano terroir. All it takes is a taste of these wines to know that they are the epitome of quality for the region.

Farming Practice:Practicing Organic