2013 San Leonardo Italy (Other)

2013 San Leonardo

96 RP

Featured Review

The flagship wine from this celebrated Trentino estate was not produced in 2012. We do have the stunning 2013 San Leonardo on the market now. This vintage is large in scale and has immediate intensity, and I am somewhat surprised by the volume and seamless bouquet that appears this early in the game. This vintage shows balanced ripeness with plummy fruit aromas that are carefully contrasted against spice, leather and fine tobacco. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot, and San Leonardo is always aged in barrique for four years (of which only 25% of the barrels are new). This is a bottle to keep long (extra long) in your cellar. Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Robert Parker | 96 RP

(Tenuta San Leonardo San Leonardo Red) San Leonardo reported that 2013 was one of their most balanced years in the set of recent vintages, and from the bouquet alone, I can already say that I agree. Here I’m finding a classic expression of cool-climate Bordeaux varieties, with fresh blackberry and raspberry, complemented by peppery florals and wild herbs. Smoky minerals add even further depths. The sheer density of fruit is remarkable. Polished yet fleshy and ripe, juicy acids guide with gorgeous inner florals and mounting fine-grained tannins toward the long and youthfully structured finale. This is enjoyable to taste today, yet also well-positioned to mature beautifully for many decades in your cellar. Fans of San Leonardo shouldn’t be without the 2013. (Drink between 2024-2044)

Vinous Media | 95 VM

A welcome balance of warmth and rainfall led to an easy harvest. The nose shows its youth, being surprisingly delicate and reticent, with restraint, poise, and elegance. There's a good attack, great concentration, firm but ripe tannins, as well as ample flesh and structure. Good underlying acidity gives piquancy to the wine, which remains assertive and clearly needs more time. Good length. Drinking Window 2020 - 2035

Decanter | 93 DEC

Juniper and sage notes are an aromatic entry point to this polished, medium- to full-bodied red, which effortlessly folds sculpted tannins with flavors of currant, smoky espresso, iron and spice box. Fresh and focused without being overbearing or weighty. The lightly chewy finish echoes the mineral, herb and spice accents. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. Drink now through 2028. 5,250 cases made, 900 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 93 WS

You could easily mistake this for a Médoc red from a cool vintage, thanks to the hint of bell pepper, the sleek body, dry tannins and crisp finish. A bit challenging at the moment, but should blossom with several more years of bottle age, just as cool-vintage Médoc reds often do. Drink in 2019.

James Suckling | 92 JS

Type of Wine	Italy (Other) : There are dozens of grape varietals grown in Italy so no wonder they produce such a broad range of most exquisite wines. Some of the most cultivated red varieties are Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Sangiovese, and Barbera, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular. Among whites, you're likely to find Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, or Vernaccia varietals.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Italy : Italy is renowned as one of the world’s greatest gastronomic havens; from certified Prosciutto di Parma to the sea-side seafood eateries on the island of Sicily. However, this epicurean experience could not possibly be as hedonistic without the ethereal combination of the country’s plethora of fine wines. It seems unfair that a nation should be able to boast, both, some of the world’s greatest cuisine as well as its greatest wines. Italian wine is one of the most sought after in the world, and has become the second most produced in the world, behind only France. Stretching an impressive 736 miles from northern Italy to the peninsula’s southern tip, the country’s geography generates an enormous array of topography, climate and soil structure. This is an extremely important quality of its winegrowing and making industry which lays claim to nearly 550 different grape varietals, which all desire their own necessities, in terms of terroir and climate. The still red wines of Italy truly characterize the nation’s vast and expansive terroir; Nebbiolo dominates Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco reign king and queen of the region’s production. Hailing from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, the rockstar Sangiovese grape has become synonymous with greatness. Vin Santo sweet wines have taken on a mighty feat of competing with the glorious wines of Sauternes, and of course, Prosecco. Prosecco, located in Trieste (northeast Italy) and its creation of luxuriously effervescent styles of wine has become Italy’s answer to Champagne. The Glera grape variety, which has become synonymous with the name Prosecco, is the main ingredient and is beloved in the appellation where the village of Prosecco’s name has become world renowned. The blurred boundary between Italy and the countries of Slovenia and Austria, where German influence still resonates through Friuli wines. The prevalence of Riesling and other such grape varietals is high in this region and have become extremely popular on today’s market. With nearly 702,000 hectares of grapevines covering the massive and diverse landscape, Italy’s annual average of 48.3 million hectoliters of wine production is second only to France in terms of volume and Spain in terms of hectares of vines. The country is vast and overwhelming when it comes to the culinary arts, but perhaps even this is overshadowed by its production of some of the world’s most sought after wines, whether the omnipresent Chianti to the highly collectible and sought after Amarone della Valpolicalla.