2016 Galatrona Merlot Val d´Arno di Sopra Øko Petrolo

This has a very deep and intense nose of dark plums, black pepper, charcuterie, vanilla, cedar, bark and dried nutmeg. Yet, there's underlying freshness, thanks to hints of blueberries and fresh spices. Full-bodied and really plush, but framed in a fine coat of chewy tannins. Linear acidity throughout keeps it fresh and spicy. Drink in 2025.

This is the flagship wine from Luca Sanjust's Petrolo estate located not too far from Arezzo in the Valdarno area of eastern Tuscany. The 2016 Galatrona is indeed a masterpiece to behold. This wine offers thick layering and deep intensity with aromas that offer an incredible range, starting off with luscious dark chocolate on one side and ending with fragrant white truffle on the far end of its long aromatic trajectory. You get plummy fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and tilled earth packed tight in between. This full-bodied Merlot is softly textured and succulent with long-lasting flavor intensity on the close. Petrolo's Merlot is planted in a ten-hectare parcel distinguished by thick clay soils. I have been watching Galatrona's evolution for years and have tasted the wine on occasion in various vertical tastings. This is my favorite vintage made thus far.

This is full of enticing blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors, with a spine of acidity, iron accents and beefy tannins. Long and well-proportioned, this needs time to integrate. Tobacco and spice hints detail the finish. Best from 2022 through 2033.

The 2016 Galatrona (Merlot) is fabulous. Powerful, dense and layered, the 2016 brings together serious fruit intensity and energy, as is so typical of this important Tuscan vintage. A whole range of floral and spice notes develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. I have long felt Galatrona is released too early. The 2016 is a perfect example of that. Opening a bottle now is a crime.

Magtfuld, mørk, insisterende og rig, kaffe, tobak og chokolade melder sig fra begyndelsen; for nærværende er vinen nærmest tygbar, og man skal kunne lide stilen, men der er noget stort i vente, tror jeg. 95+ point.