2016 Antinori (Guado al Tasso), Matarocchio, IGT

2016 is a superstar vintage in many parts of Italy, the result of a balanced growing season. Here in Bolgheri, Matarocchio 2016 shows at its best; finessed, bright, crunchy and vibrant. Lifted floral-edged black and blue berries, spice, menthol and chocolate mingle in the mouth, supported by powdery tannins and a long, fresh and spicy finish. Very good now but could be great in time.

The 2016 Matarocchio is a wine of muscle and brawn that opens to dark thickness and deep layers of black fruit, spice, leather and tar. If you like big and bold, this Tuscan Cabernet Franc will prove quite agile when pairing with coal-fired barbecued T-bone steak. This wine was produced in 2017, but it was not made in 2018 because the variety had a hard time reaching optimal ripeness. This full-bodied wine is absolutely linear and direct in terms of aromas; however, it shows fleshy succulence in terms of mouthfeel. It closes with midnight black notes of dried berry and exotic spice.