Petrolo "Galatrona" Valdarno di Sopra Rosso 2022 (Pre-Arrival)

James Suckling : 100 Points

(11/22/2024) The floral aromas are spellbinding, with aromas of violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals, and some oranges. It’s medium- to full-bodied with crunchy and open-grain tannins that are creamy and caressing. It’s endless in the finish. Crunchy and energetic. A wine that is thoughtful and gives you such great pleasure. Such purity. It’s like eating perfectly ripened grape must. Pure merlot. Drinkable in many ways, but will come together beautifully. A new reference point for merlot in Italy. Drink after 2028.

Decanter : 96 Points

(9/17/2024) Petrolo's single-vineyard Merlot from the Arno Valley is a benchmark Tuscan example of the variety. Vinified in cement tanks, it then spends around 20 months in French oak barriques, one-third new. Bonfire and spiced plum aromas lead to a vibrant, tightly coiled palate full of energy. The black and red berry core is precise and generous, while there's an underlying salinity which connects the fruit and gum-tingling acidity. The tannins are ripe and round, fine and dextrous, laying in support rather than in a leading role. Very primary and with a noticeably woody finish at present, this demands time to show it at its best. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2042.