The 2011 Guidalberto reveals a plump, opulent and irresistible style. The 2011 vintage was a scorcher in much of Italy, but Bolgheri performed very nicely thanks to the soft sea breezes that kept the summer heat in check. There is beautiful fruit ripeness here, but the wine never feels overdone or overblown. Expert winemaking is clearly at hand. You can almost feel the crunch of the berries in your mouth and the soft tannins have been expertly managed. Dark cherry, blackberry preserves, spice, candied almond and tarry licorice rise from the glass. The wine is still youthful with a darkly extracted personality that will flesh out further in time. - Monica Larner