Brancaia - Ilatraia 2019 (750ml)
James Suckling: 97 Points
This has aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, black olives, cedar, dark chocolate, praline, salted almonds and spearmint. Some gun metal and graphite, too. Creamy and caressing, with velvety tannins and a full body. Delicious salted-chocolate notes. So much power and concentration, yet it remains elegant. Long. Drink from 2023.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
The Brancaia 2019 Ilatraia is an organic blend of 40% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc aged in French barrique for 18 months, half of which is new oak. This is a generous and deeply layered expression with dark fruit, baker's chocolate and elegant spice. I tasted this wine next to the 2018 vintage, which clearly showed more balance given that extra year of aging. Based on that observation, I suggest an extended drinking window for this wine. The 2019 shows lots of primary fruit brightness and concentration.
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points
This wine strides forward with an extremely herbaceous nose, from oregano to thyme to tomato leaf. It also conveys the peppery savoriness of capsicum plus the depth of newly turned soil and a final pop of sour cherries. The palate continues the theme, with more peppers and cherries, but also sundried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Polished and consistent tannins make for a fun but slick balance of savory and sweet.
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2019 Ilatraia, Brancaia's top Maremma wine, is racy and voluptuous out of the gate. A whole range of savory and spice overtones wraps around the inky blue/blackish fruit. This heady blend is so expressive today. Blackberry, espresso, licorice and leather build into the sumptuous finish.
