2003 Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore

The 2003 Guado al Tasso opens with a lovely nose redolent of spices and flower followed by layers of sweet dark fruit, toasted oak and chocolate that reveal themselves in the glass. Still intensely backward, it is presents hard tannins that should soften somewhat in the bottle. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Syrah and other varietals spent 14 months in 100% new French oak.

Tenuta Belvedere is the Antinori family’s estate in Bolgheri. The property is vast, with over 300 hectares under vine, some of which I was able to visit with Allegra Antinori, who shares a similar passion for the pigs she raises on the estate’s grounds. Winemaking is overseen by Renzo Cotarella. The 2003 Guado al Tasso opens with a lovely nose redolent of spices and flowers followed by layers of sweet dark fruit, toasted oak and chocolate that reveal themselves in the glass. Still intensely backward, it presents hard tannins that should soften somewhat in the bottle. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Syrah and other varietals spent 14 months in 100% new French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Importer: Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA; tel.(425) 488-1133