4 | Wine | Tuscany Misc, 2008

"The 2008 Bolgheri Superiore Sor Ugo boasts terrific richness and depth in its super-ripe plums, blackberries, spices, mint and wild flowers. Seamless and opulent, the 2008 captures the essence of this great Maremma vintage. Layers of fruit crescendo on the plush, racy finish."

"A rich, deep wine imbued with notable class in its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, minerals and smoke. The 2008 is a decidedly buttoned-up, firm Sassicaia that is currently holding back much of its potential, unlike the 2006 and 2007, both of which were far more obvious wines. Readers who can afford to wait will be treated to a sublime wine once this settles down in bottle. Muscular, firm tannins frame the exquisite finish in this dark, implosive Sassicaia."

"The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality."

"Needs aeration to reveal the rich blackberry and black cherry flavors locked within this muscular red, which is firm and bright, with a mineral finish."

"The estate’s 2008 Il Nero di Casanova (Sangiovese) presents an intriguing profile of dark cherries, leather, licorice and tobacco, all of which come together in a medium-bodied, relatively delicate frame that is typical of Sangiovese. The Nero shows lovely inner sweetness and perfume through to the long finish."

"The 2008 Valdisanti impresses for its layered personality, something that was quite difficult to achieve in this vintage. Plums, black cherries, sage, incense and sweet tobacco are some of the many notes that are woven into a soft fabric of notable class. Floral notes add freshness and balance on the finish."

"This wine is ruby red in color, with rich dark red nuances and a distinctly fruity bouquet. Its supple cherry aromas are followed by hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It is fullbodied and balanced, with fine-grained tannins. More complex and structured than regular Chianti, this Riserva has an unmistakable Tuscan personality and is best with meat-based dishes, barbecued pork or veal, and game."

"The 2008 Guado al Tasso is once again fabulous. In fact, it may be Tuscany’s most improved wine over the last few years. Firm, vibrant tannins support expressive layers of dark fruit, plums, cherries, sage, espresso and mocha. The wine shows fabulous detail and nuance in a translucent, totally seductive style, with tons of focus, drive and verve. It is a striking wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years."

"A red with balanced body and a fine ruby colour. Its aromas are typically spicy and consist of pepper and sweet tobacco; the background notes hint at jam and violet. A pleasant drinkability with good concentration, mature and harmonious tannins with a long-lasting fruity finish."