MONTEPELOSO

Just south of Bolgheri near the town of Suvereto several new estates have emerged turning out top international styled Italian wines. This is of course the area which already has Sassicaia, Ornellaia and the newly created Tua Rita. Angelo Gaja has purchased land here and so have the Strozzis of San Gimignano. Montepeloso was founded in the late eighties by a Swiss family, who subsequently sold out to Fabio Chiarelotto who is an Italian Swiss and a historian by profession. The wines are made by the young hot shot Luca d'Atoma. The estate is on a gentle slope similar to the Medoc estates and the Tuscan coast can be seen on a clear day. The micro-climate ripens the Cabernet Sauvignon fully and yet the acidity and balance are perfect.

Montepeloso's top red cuvee is Nardo (Tuscan for lavender), a blend of 75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged half in new barriques. The second red cuvee is Montepeloso Rosso, a 100% Sangiovese aged in 2nd year French barriques. Also produced in miniscule quantities is "Gabbro," an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Gabbro
2000 $79.99 limited
"100% cabernet sauvignon) Dark plummy core, almost opaque. Blackberry combines with earthy nuances and herbal scents. Denser and more mouthcoating than the Nardo or Eneo, with noticeably firm tannins, yet it manages to maintain a suppleness in the mid-palate. The bitter chocolate and cassis flavors are accented by wild herbal scents - especially sage - that recall the sun-burnt Mediterranean scrub surrounding the vineyards. The long, mineral-laced finish leaves one with an overall impression of a rich, complex and rather savage wine."92 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 7/8-03
"Serious red from a new estate. Intense aromas of flowers, fruits and black licorice and spices. Yummy. Full-bodied and tight, with chewy tannins, yet lively and smoky on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2005. 200 cases made." 91 The Wine Spectator 10/15/02
1999 $79.99 very limited
"Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged in 100% new French oak, the 1999 Gabbro boasts an inky, opaque purple color as well as a backward but promising bouquet of lead pencil, creme de cassis, toast, and melted licorice. Full-bodied, powerful, and profoundly concentrated, this dramatic wine could easily be inserted in a blind tasting with barrel samples of the 2000 Medocs. The finish lasts for 30-35 seconds. The evolution of this 1999 should be fascinating to follow. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Bravo! This 1999 was produced from incredibly low yields, aged in barriques, and bottled without filtration." 94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #137
1998 $79.99-750ml very limited $159.99-1.5L very limited
"The debut vintage of the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee, the 1998 Gabbro, is a terrific example of what can be produced in this area adjacent to the Mediterranean. Keep in mind that the famous Sassicaia is close by, as are the hillside vineyards of the cult wine, Tua Rita. The saturated black/purple-colored 1998 Gabbro boasts sumptuous aromatics of cherry liqueur, cassis, toasty new oak, minerals, spice box, and tobacco. There is extravagant intensity, an opulent texture, and a large-scaled, rich, concentrated finish. It should be cellared for 2-3 years, and drunk over the following 12-15.? 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #130

Nardo
2000 $75.99 limited
"(90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet) Penetrating ruby, with a deep violet core. Seductive aroma of panforte spices mingles with crushed red fruits. Fills the mouth with sweet red and black fruit sensations; very pure and concentrated, with superb definition and length. Though the flavors run deep they are not jammy. This elegant, irresistible wine finishes long and creamy, with silky tannins and a sense of freshness." 95 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 7/8-03
250 cases made "The dense ruby/purple-colored 2000 Nardo (90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon given 100% new French oak treatment) possesses a saturated color, and aromas of toasty vanilla, saddle leather, blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, licorice, tobacco, and cedar. Long, ripe, and concentrated, with a more layered palate as well as more elevated tannin than the Eneo Rosso, it will be at its finest between 2005-2015." 91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #144
1999 $75.99 very limited
"The limited production 1999 Nardo, a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, takes concentration to its limits. It exhibits toasty new oak and the essence of black cherry liqueur in its perfumed bouquet. A full-bodied as well as layered palate impression, combined with fabulous purity and depth are hallmarks of this wine. The 14.5% alcohol is high by Tuscan standards, but it is beautifully integrated and not the least bit hot. This tour de force in winemaking should age for 12-15 years. This 1999 was produced from incredibly low yields, aged in barrique, and bottled without filtration.? 94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #137
1998 $89.99-1.5L very limited
?Well balanced is the 1998 Nardo. It exhibits a deep, saturated ruby/purple color in addition to gorgeously jammy blackberry and cassis flavors infused with smoke, minerals, licorice, and toast. There is terrific intensity as well as a long, medium to full-bodied finish with well-integrated acidity, tannin, and wood. It should drink well for 10-15 years.? 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #130
1997 $45.99-750ml very limited $99.99-1.5L very limited
"Inky black-ruby to the rim. Cassis, minerals, and graphite on the potent, heady nose. Rich and enveloping on the palate; dense and concentrated but without a hard edge in sight. In texture this almost seems more than a liquid. Should have decades of life ahead. 92Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 7/8-00

Eneo
2001 $28.99