2020 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo [JS94][WE92][WA90]

"A fresh, tight and structured merlot with vibrant notes of olives, red plums, cherries, tobacco, orange zest and stones. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Lots of energy. 100% merlot. Drink after 2023." 

"Spicy and peppery on the nose with new leather and graphite, this wine also offers wildflowers and berries. The palate echoes the nose but reveals more depth, with coffee, earthiness and richer fruit. Firm but flexible tannins and healthy acid provide the contours for a lengthy finish." 

"The Guado al Tasso 2020 Bolgheri Rosso Cont'Ugo is a pure expression of Merlot that has absorbed the ripeness and softness of this hot vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc have a proven track record in these ever-more frequent warm vintages along the Tuscan coast, but early-ripening Merlot can sometimes come off as too ripe and jammy. This wine walks a fine line, and although it never shows excessive softness, you have to wonder how much further it can be pushed in light of climate change. Dark cherry and blackberry preserves cede to cedar and baking spice. The mouthfeel is round, soft and creamy." 

"Cont’Ugo 2020 in an intense ruby red color. The nose delivers intense aromas of small ripe red fruit accompanied by fresh balsamic notes of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, a velvety entry is sustained by excellent richness of flavors persistent throughout the tasting, closing with a pleasantly fruity finish."