The 2009 Grattamacco is a deep red/brick hue and was made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the rest Sangiovese. (It’s always the same blend.) It opens to notes of tobacco, fresh earth, pine, cherries, kirsch, and leather, and the palate is full-bodied and balanced, with velvety tannins, mouthwatering acidity, balsamic herbs lasting on the long, salty finish, which has a delicate warmth. It retains a good deal of purity and, based on this bottle, is ready to drink now. I love where this is right now, at its peak of evolution and showing great today. - Audrey Frick

This bottle gives us a stunning view back in time. The 2009 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco needs a little extra time to open, but it eventually reveals a beautifully lifted bouquet with dark fruit, tar and licorice. This wine does not show the green balsamic tones that we saw in the 2008 vintage that I also tasted at the same time. This wine taste much younger than its real age and still has time to age. Interestingly, the alcohol content is 14% (similar to the 2008), and these are the first vintages in which we start to see higher alcohol due to climate change, I am told by the winery team. - Monica Larner

Dried currant, violet, cherry and sweet spices are the aromas and flavors featured in this compelling red, which picks up hints of coconut and mineral as it cruises through the long finish. Offers fine balance and expression. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2014 through 2023. 2,500 cases made. –BS