This production of 45,000 bottles is expected to hit the market at the beginning of 2023. The Poggio al Tesoro 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia (a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) makes excellent use of oak aging, resulting in soft tannins, plush richness and attractive concentration. The wine is very well managed overall with plenty of black fruit balanced by spice and tobacco. Its important structure suggests a long aging future.

A meaty, savory nose draws freshness from herbal and stony undertones, while a kick of salt and pepper provides pop. The palate turns sweeter, with black cherries and chocolate but maintains the salt and pepper backbone. The tannins are tautly wound around powerful acidity.

The 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia is a powerful, rather somber wine. In this tasting, the 2019 stands out for its more extracted style and stronger oak imprint, neither of which seem to allow the wine to show at its best. Dark red-toned fruit, spice, tobacco, espresso and torrefaction notes build in the glass. I find the finish a touch abrupt and astringent. All that said, this is still a very good wine.

Reveals powerful and firmly wrought tannins, setting the stage for blackberry, black currant, coffee, iron and a hint of dark chocolate. Suave and balanced, with a dusty, bitter cocoa finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2037.