Grattamacco is one of the highest estates in Bolgheri, located just beneath the village of Castagneto Carducci. It has a distinctive contribution of 15% Sangiovese to the blend, along with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This indigenous grape gives the wine a particular freshness and drinkability, rejuvenating the tension of the classic Bordeaux varieties. In 2016, Grattamacco has exceeded itself, with aromas of elegant, youthful red currant fruits integrated with citrus notes and cedar wood. On the palate the wine is perfectly balanced, and more immediately drinkable than some of the other top samples. It has delicious tension and ripeness, with a mediterranean character and a hint of kiwi on the finish.

The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is a subtle and elegant wine with decisive energy and forward momentum. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Sangiovese, and the fruit is sourced from across the best sites in the estate's various vineyard holdings. The bouquet opens to delicate berry and wild cherry and then moves over to warmer Mediterranean tones of rosemary, pressed flower and gardening soil. To the palate, the wine shows depth and medium consistency that prizes smoothness, texture and length. Elegance is the big takeaway. - Monica Larner

This wine showcases the best aspects of the 2016 vintage. A blend of cabernet sauvignon with 20 percent merlot and 15 percent sangiovese, it offers flavors of black currant and raspberry that are crunchy and fresh, buoyed by lively acidity. The texture is taut and the tannins refined by 21 months of barrique aging, though with just 30 percent new barrels used, the effect is subtle and the fruit flavors remain precise, enlivened by notes of licorice and spice. The flavors seem to gain freshness and energy over several days, suggesting excellent aging potential.

The aromas offer a subtle mix of black currant, violet, cedar, iron and sweet spices, evolving into an elegant profile, with superb balance and harmony. Complex and intense, this seems approachable even at this early stage, yet it will only gain with time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2021 through 2048. 4,000 cases made, 350 cases imported. — BS