Super Tuscan wines carry notoriously high prices, especially highly rated versions like the 2007 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni.  So when a 93 pointer comes around for under $20 I have to try it!

I’m really glad I did because this is something special.  The first thing to understand about this wine is that it’s built for aging.  It’s very dense, especially for an Italian wine, and the color is a beautiful dark ruby/black.  I opened this mid week and although enjoyable, it was tight and somewhat closed.  So I pumped it out and let it sit for 3 days.  And what a change 3 days can make!  The wine had opened up with incredible aromas of coffee, cherry and oak.  In the mouth it’s particularly chocolaty for a Super Tuscan- it could almost pass for a new world Bordeaux blend.  On the finish, its Tuscan roots come through though, as it’s dry long and mineral.

I love this style because it combines the dark fruit of new world California with the focus and sophistication of old world Italy.  It’s incredibly rare to find a highly rated, age-worthy Super Tuscan blend for under $50 let alone $20.  Buy it up before it’s gone and be sure to lay some back.  Wine Spectator publishes notoriously conservative drinking windows and they recommend holding until after 2013.  I would guess this will still be drinking great in 15 or even 20 years.

Wine Spectator 93 points

“Intense aromas of currant, raisin and licorice, with hints of toasty oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a powerful currant, blackberry and mineral aftertaste. Dense, and all in reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Best after 2013. 9,200 cases made.” (WS)

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2007- $19.95