Available in a heavy glass bottle, this is now 100% Merlot with fruit from two late-ripening vineyard sites (Valadorna and Capraia). The Tenuta di Arceno 2018 Valadorna is a dense, full-bodied Tuscan wine with hints of rosemary and grilled spice and plenty of velvety softness. This vintage shows extra spiciness for barbecued meat on the grill. This wine started off with only Merlot but became a Bordeaux blend in later years; however, the 2018, 2019 and 2021 vintages are 100% Merlot.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Sep 2023)
An evolving red, supple and boasting cherry, raspberry, vanilla, coffee and spice flavors. Fresh and harmonious, fluid on the palate, with fine tannins uplifting the long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038. 1,393 cases made, 983 cases imported.
94 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Dec 2023)
This is a truly exceptional preview since the wine will not be released for another three years. The 2018 vintage of Valadorna is the first 100% Merlot of the estate. Until then, the grapes had not achieved the right level of ripeness and quality to produce an unblended Merlot. This vineyard is one of the cooler plots of the estate, where the harvest is delayed. Extremely youthful, it displays plenty of estery notes alongside plum fruit of great vibrancy. A layer of slightly herbal aromas (in my opinion preferable to jammy notes) is followed by a milky, chocolatey, supple palate with refreshing acidity and velvety tannins.
94 points, Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter (Feb 2021
This is a soft red with the texture of fine velvet, offering dark-berry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied palate that’s attractive and delicious. Seductive. Drink or hold.
92 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)
Top Quality Store
