Most people know that the great Chateaux of Bordeaux produce excellent quality 'second wines', which are priced for everyday consumption (Leoville Las Cases makes the Clos du Marquis, Montrose makes La Dame de Montrose, etc). However many people may not realize that this practice is not unique to Bordeaux! There are many great second tier values to be found from outstanding properties in other parts of the world as well. And one of my favorites is Tuscany! The 2006 Tuscan wines are hot, hot, hot right now. I'll review two of the famously successful properties of Tuscany and the second cuvees that they produce, all of which can be purchased right here at Sokolin!
Let's begin with a wine that has been a best seller at Sokolin for over a year now, the 2006 Sette Ponti Oreno. The Wine Spectator ranked this wine in its Top 100 of 2008 at #15! It is a beautiful, smooth Super Tuscan blend, scoring 96 points from Wine Spectator and 93 points from Robert Parker. At $79.95/btl, you may think this wine can't be matched!
"Shows loads of black licorice, blackberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Has wonderful concentration and balance. Structured. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese." WS 96 pts
However, what some people may not know is that this property also produces a second, less expensive cuvee as well. It's called the Sette Ponti Crognolo, and sells for only $24.95/btl! For some, this is a great, everyday alternative to a more expensive bottle. And don't think that second wines go unrated- the Crognolo scored an impressive 92 points from the Wine Spectator! So you know this wine is good. In fact, it happens to be one of my favorite values:
"Offers very, very pretty aromas of crushed berry and green coffee bean. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a polished, caressing mouthfeel. Why wait? Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2012." WS 92 pts
Let's look at another example from Tuscany, a region known for experimenting with exciting Bordeaux style blends. The 2006 Ornellaia sells for $199/btl and scored 97 pts from Robert Parker. This bottle brings together a mind blowing combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. I think this quote from Antonio Galloni sums it up best: This set of new 2006s from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia leaves me looking for words that can adequately capture the pure magic and sheer profoundness the property has achieved in this important, hallmark vintage. I will try with one word: Monumental.
2006 Ornellaia: "The 2006 Ornellaia flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine's sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage."RP 97 pts
But remember that Galloni doesn't just mention the 2006 Ornellaia, but the whole set of wines produced at this property in 2006! Perhaps you'd like to try this everyday value, made at the same property
2006 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte: ($21.95/btl): "The 2006 Le Volte is especially generous in this vintage. This plump, juicy wine bursts from the glass with an array of super-ripe dark plums, cherries, smoke and licorice. It is an engaging, rewarding wine to enjoy over the next few years. Le Volte is made from Sangiovese which is purchased from outside producers plus Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property." RP 90 pts
They sound very similar, don't they? Imagine having a little piece of heaven for just over $20 per bottle! Well, this is not a dream, but a delicious reality which can be found by uncorking these everyday Tuscan values.