2015 Petrolo Galatrona IGT

Merlot - 750ML
Reg: $119.94
$89.94
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REVIEWS

JD 97 WA 96 JS 93 WS 92
JD 97

jebdunnuck.com, March 2018

The 2015 Galatrona is another gem from this estate. Made from a single vineyard and 100% Merlot brought up in one-third new French oak, its vibrant purple color is followed by a heavenly bouquet of crème de cassis, black...
WA 96

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, November 2017

Galatrona is one of the best Merlots made in Italy (definitely in the top five) and this vintage keeps the banner flying high. The 2015 Galatrona is luscious, soft, soothing and ever-so intense. The wine wraps thickly...
JS 93

jamessuckling.com, August 2017

Aromas of roses, blackberry, wet earth and dried flowers. Lots of stone and crushed chalk. Full body, dense and powerful with incredible tannins tension and strength yet so polished and natural. Dried out slightly but...
WS 92

Wine Spectator, April 2018

Aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum are tinged by tar and spice in this lush red. Accents of wild herbs and pine are enhanced by the lively acidity. Shows fine balance and length, with a firm grip...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Merlot
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Vintage 2015
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 13.5%
Closure Cork

Petrolo winery is owned by 4 generations by the Bazzocchi-Sanjust family. The estate extends over 109 acres, 825 to 1,500 feet above sea level, in an area known for prestigious wines since the Renaissance.

The vineyards are set in Val d'Arno Superiore, among the hills of the "Chianti Colli Aretini," bordering southeastern Chianti Classico. The somewhat loosely packed soil features layers of claystone, shale and limestone.

Petrolo aims to produce wines with character and terroir from Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, with 5,500 plants per hectare, production has been reduced to less than 8,000 cases in order to maximize quality. Hand-harvested and fermented in individual lots using native yeasts, the bulk of production is aged in French barriques, though they do employ the use of large oak casks.

Petrolo produces six dry wines and a Vin Santo, but is best known for the 100% Merlot, Galatrona, and the Cabernet-based Il Torrione.

Galatrona is Petrolo's flagship and one of the most awarded wines of the estate. It is a wine of great structure on the palate, and wildly aromatic on the nose. First produced in 1994, this 100% Merlot comes from estate vines planted in the early 90’s. The vineyard extends over 3 hectares, and is the first vineyard of Merlot that Petrolo planted. The yield per vine is limited, allowing for the concentration of components fundamental to achieve the structure, elegance, balance and persistence wanted for this wine.

Macerated on the skins for 2 weeks or more, the pump-overs are done often and with considerable care to allow for complete and gentle extraction. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barriques, and the wine is then aged in new French barriques for approximately 18 months. During this period the wine is left for the first 6 months on the fine lees, which allows the finished product to achieve greater complexity.

The 2015 Petrolo Galatrona IGT is a remarkable red wine that showcases the excellence of Merlot in Tuscany, Italy. With its deep, ruby-red color and elegant label, this wine immediately captivates the eye. Upon closer inspection, the aromas that waft from the glass are equally alluring, with notes of roses, blackberry, wet earth, and dried flowers. There is also a distinct hint of crushed chalk and stone, adding a mineral complexity to the bouquet.

On the palate, the Galatrona reveals its true character. Full-bodied and dense, this wine possesses incredible tannin tension and strength, yet remains polished and natural. The flavors are concentrated and rich, with layers of dark fruit, toasted spice, and bitter chocolate. The black cherry and pressed blackberry notes are particularly prominent, accompanied by fragrant hints of espresso. The wine shows depth, length, and width, with a soaring height that leaves a lasting impression.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this vintage a score of 93, praising its power and natural elegance. He notes that the wine was fermented and aged in anfora, a traditional clay vessel, which adds to its unique character. Monica Larner of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded an impressive score of 96, highlighting the lusciousness, softness, and intensity of the Galatrona. She also recommends cellaring this wine for further development.

Jeb Dunnuck, another esteemed critic, rates the 2015 Galatrona with an outstanding score of 97. He describes its vibrant purple color and heavenly bouquet, filled with crème de cassis, black cherries, leafy herbs, crushed rock, and violets. Dunnuck praises the wine's purity, finesse, concentration, and power, along with its integrated acidity and building tannins.

Wine Spectator also recognizes the quality of this wine, awarding it a score of 92. They highlight the aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, tinged with tar and spice. The wine's lively acidity, fine balance, firm grip, and long finish are also commended.

Overall, the 2015 Petrolo Galatrona IGT is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the best qualities of Merlot in Tuscany. With its complex aromas, powerful yet polished palate, and accolades from top critics, this wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast. It promises to age gracefully and reward those who have the patience to cellar it.