Sharing the terroir of neighboring Sassicaia and Ornellaia, the lesser known but no less stunning Super Tuscan blends from Castello di Bolgheri have been on an upward trajectory over the last decade, their impressive 93 pt. 2021 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara and 96 pt. 2019 Castello di Bolgheri Superiore ranking among the region's most highly rated, age worthy Bordeaux blends from recent vintages and delivering unbeatable value.
Located in a bucolic setting surrounding the medieval 13th century Bolgheri Castle, Castello di Bolgheri winery boasts 50 hectares of vineyards near Tuscany's famed cypress-lined Viale dei Cipressi road in the northern Bolgheri DOC, its rich clay and calcareous soils known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon with subtle, soft tannins and flinty minerality. Leading the estate's transition from growing local varieties of grapes to Bordeaux varietals, 30th generation descendant Federico Zileri replanted the estate vineyards with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon in the mid-1990's, releasing his family's first Super Tuscan blend in 2004 while also selling grapes to the estate's high profile neighbors. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Petit Verdot, the fresh and appealing 2020 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara was aged for 12 months in 500-liter barrels with 6 months more in bottle, offering spiced dark fruit and smooth integrated tannins, ready to enjoy now "with plenty of length and staying power" according to the Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Cab Franc, the elegant and luscious 2019 Castello di Bolgheri Superiore was aged 20 months in a mix of oak barrels and casks yielding vibrant, expressive fruit with integrated velvety tannins and uplifting acidity, described as "a remarkable wine that casts a large net for lovers of New World and Old World wines alike" by Jeb Dunnuck that will continue to evolve over the next two decades.
Whether pulling the cork on the ready to drink 93 pt. 2021 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara or patiently stashing away the 96 pt. 2019 Castello di Bolgheri Superiore in cellar-ready original wooden cases, lovers of bold, powerful Tuscan red wines can't go wrong with these stellar selections from Castello di Bolgheri, offering exceptional quality described by the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner as getting "better and better," while remaining bargain priced at a fraction of their high visibility neighbors to deliver astounding value.
With a stone-vaulted winery within the castle walls, Castello di Bolgheri makes wines that appeal to those who look for classic and traditional lines. There is indeed a lot of important history behind the 2019 Bolgheri Superiore, a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small elements of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Like the entry-level Varvàra, this wine boasts beautiful integration and soft lines that frame black fruit, spice and campfire ash. This wine holds back just a bit in terms of ripeness, and that explains the smooth elegance you get here. This is a special wine.
96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
Attractive aromas of graphite and kirsch emerge from the 2019 Bolgheri Superiore, followed by black raspberry compote, fresh leather, cedar, and lavender candy. The wine is refined and elegant, with full-body, and has refreshing acidity without any harsh edges. Notes of cassis and Mediterranean herbs offer a sense of place and a calling card for the region. A remarkable wine that casts a large net for lovers of New World and Old World wines alike, it is drinking well now and will continue to improve over the next 15-20 years.
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2023)
Distinguished by its silky texture, this red exudes black currant, cherry, tobacco, iron and spice aromas and flavors. Sleek in profile, well-structured and beautifully balanced, with a long finish driven by vibrant acidity. Features finesse, along with grip for aging. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. 2,500 cases made, 300 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (May 2022)
Underbrush, pipe tobacco, leather and blackberry aromas come to the forefront on this full-bodied, classy red. Enveloping and delicious, the palate shows concentration but is almost weightless at the same time, doling out dried cherry, black plum, cocoa and licorice alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2029.
95 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2022)
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