2010 Galatrona Merlot Toscana Tenuta di Petrolo Imperial

Black cherries, smoke, incense, melted road tar and graphite meld into black fruit as the 2010 Galatrona (Merlot) opens up in the glass. This is a decidedly backward, brooding Galatrona that will require more patience than normal. Today, the 2010 comes across as not fully developed and in need of time to integtrated the French oak. 2016 - 2025.

Aromas of black olives, violets and fresh fruit follow through to a full body, with a dense palate of dark fruits and olives. Long and polished. Handmade wine. You sense it. Pure Merlot sensation. Try in 2014.

A massive expression of Merlot, the 2010 Galatrona is heaven-sent. The layers are infinite here spanning dark fruit, spice and chocolate. I fall in love with this wine year after year. The mouth is caressed with stirring complexity and fine tannins that feel silky and smooth. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. - Monica Larner

Full, saturated ruby. Extremely pure aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, violet, minerals and cocoa. Lush and silky but precise too, with rich, tactile black fruit and mineral flavors lifted by harmonious acidity. The slow- building finish features ripe but very silky tannins and wonderful purity of flavor. A more refined Galatrona than some recent, more tannic versions; cellar it for another four or five years to allow it to build further complexity and depth.

Very complex and perfumed aromas of black cherry, violet, black tea and minerals. Also complex and perfumed on the palate, with savory blackberry, black pepper and spice flavors showing multilayered depth and a bright mineral overlay. Finishes bright and long, with a fine dusting of noble tannins and a lovely light touch. A lighter styled Galatrona, but a knockout wine.

The chocolate and cocoa notes highlight the black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate flavors in this dense red. Flamboyant, showing plenty of oak, this remains vibrant, intense and long, with a spicy aftertaste. Merlot. Best from 2016 through 2026. 500 cases imported. -BS