Made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this wine sees a combination of steel and wood. The vintage after this ferments and ages in wood only. The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia is already quite toasty with vanilla and dark spice behind black cherry and plum. There is a lot of revved up energy in this vintage, and its tannic structure is important. So is the alcohol content that clocks in at 15%. Fruit comes from a 15-hectare site located just above sea level at about 25 meters in elevation. The soils are deep and well-draining with clay and loose sand. Annual production is 45,000 bottles.

This red is very expressive, featuring juicy black currant, blackberry, licorice, iron and tobacco flavors, with a hint of coconut from the deft oak treatment. Harmonious and long, ending with refined tannins and spice elements. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2029. 3,750 cases made, 300 cases imported.

The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia is soft, open- knit and very easy to drink. Red cherries, plums and mocha are woven together effortlessly. Silky tannins round out those attractive, mid-weight offering from Poggio al Tesoro.