TENUTA SAN LEONARDO Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT - Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 Bottle 13%abv

Description

A CLASSICAL VINTAGE OF EXCEPTIONAL BALANCE
For the second year in a row, nature was extremely kind to this picturesque haven in the heart of Trentino. Winter was cold but lacked rainfall. This came instead in April and May, replenishing ground water and delaying – but not disrupting – budbreak and flowering. Summer then offered normal temperatures and little in the way of rain. From mid-August onwards, the vines experienced the dramatic temperature excursion between day and night that is a signature of this inland region. Due to the late flowering, ripening under these conditions continued for a further two months, amazingly without any interruption from bad weather. The result was grapes that achieved beautiful ripeness and gained layers of flavour during the extended growing season, while retaining fresh acidity thanks to the cool nights. Picked in mid-October and with alcohol coming in at 13%, this is another classical, “pre-climate change” vintage for San Leonardo. Harvest took place in mid-October, and spontaneous fermentation followed in small concrete tanks. Both pumpovers and délestage were used during the relatively short 12-16 day maceration, after which the wine was racked back to concrete for malolactic fermentation and a few months’ settling. It was then aged for 24 months in medium-toasted first, second and third use French oak barrels, and bottled in early 2022.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenère, 10% Merlot
13% alcohol

Seductive and complex on the nose, San Leonardo 2019 opens with fresh red berry notes alongside savoury tobacco and herbal aromas. The palate is lively and elegant, with great harmony and sophisticated tannins making it accessible and expressive already while also underpinning great ageing potential.

REVIEWS
96/100 – Vinous
The 2019 San Leonardo is impossible to ignore, embodying everything I love about this distinctly northern Italian Bordeaux blend. Masses of white pepper, sage, incense, sandy earth and fresh tobacco give way to dusty red currants. This is a model of elegance yet salty and savoury to the core, with mineral-laden red and black fruits that flow across silky textures. The 2019 finishes classically dry with a crunchy tannic bite yet maintains an impossible freshness as savory herbal tones slowly fade. This is stunning, recalling the absolute top vintages I’ve ever tasted from San Leonardo

98/100 – James Suckling
The cool profile of this wine is clear from the fresh and spicy aromas of red currants and blackcurrants, leafy lightness, bell peppers and leather, with hints of smoke. The complexity of the nose is supported by an elegant palate (don’t look for power here), with a structure of filigreed tannins, crisp, integrated acidity, a medium body and a long, super savory aftertaste reminiscent of dark cherries. Drinkable now, but better from 2034.