TENUTA GUADO AL TASSO 'Il Bruciato' by Antinori - Bolgheri DOC 2021 Bottle

Description

Il Bruciato was first produced in 2002 in one of the most difficult vintages ever for the Guado al Tasso estate. The wine is a modern interpretation of Bolgheri’s unique terroir made from carefully selected Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes from Guado al Tasso’s vineyards. The geological composition of the soil is diversified giving the wine structure and complexity.

The 2021 growing season in Bolgheri was impacted by a long period of drought that lasted from June throughout September. However, unlike the 2017 vintage, winter was particularly rainy which contributed to replenishing groundwater reserves in the deep soils that characterize this territory. The vines had the necessary soil moisture for the entire growth cycle. Spring was cool resulting in a slight delay in bud break and flowering. Temperatures during the summer months were never excessive and ensured a normal, gradual ripening phase of the fruit in each vineyard and produced berries that were whole and in perfect health.

The grape harvest began with Merlot at the beginning of September, continued with Cabernet Franc and Syrah mid-September and was completed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot at the end of September.

Il Bruciato 2021 is intensely ruby red in colour. The nose offers notes of small ripe red fruit, sweet spices, and tobacco. The palate has excellent structure, is remarkably mouth filling with a pleasant fruity aftertaste that imparts good persistence and easy drinkability.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 90
Drink Date: 2023 - 2027 - A market favorite, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato is an all-encompassing blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, 15% Syrah and 6% Petit Verdot. The wine starts off in stainless steel, with the Merlot and Syrah at lower temperatures. It does malolactic fermentation in barrique and steel vat, the blend is created and then the wine is racked back into barrique. It shows abundant oak with baking chocolate, sweet spice, ripe blackberry, roasted coconut and espresso bean. I can see the commercial appeal, given the generous oak, but the whole effect is a little less interesting if you are looking for actual fruit. This is a big release of 1,000,000 bottles. - Reviewed by: Monica Larner

JAMES SUCKLING 92 Points
9 Oct, 2023 – Cocoa, walnuts, cherries and bay leaves on the nose. Well-integrated and medium-bodied with powdery, dusty tannins and some mineral iron notes at the end. Drink or hold.