Reviews
A joyful wine with aromas of rosebuds, red cherries and a hint of leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with bell pepper flavors, crunchy tannins and moderate acidity. Drink now.
Dark and earthy, this wine presents a rich bouquet of blackberries, plums, coffee beans, dried flowers and cedar, with a hint of tar. It is full-bodied, featuring polished, slightly firm tannins and a juicy core layered with oak spice and walnuts. Drink or hold.
Tasted in a vertical setting of 2015 through 2020, the 2020 Thick Skinned is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Malbec and only 1% Petit Verdot. Still a baby and set to be released at the end of 2024, it’s still incredibly tight and youthful but has good bones. Firm, bold, spicy and juicy, it’s like a puppy with big floppy ears and paws that will undoubtedly grow into its size. With plenty of hedonistic, juicy dark red fruit flavors and oak essences, this will be a knockout for years to come. Your patience will be rewarded.
Tasted in a vertical setting of 2015 through 2020, the 2019 Thick Skinned is over half Cabernet Sauvignon with a quarter Malbec and 15% Petit Verdot. The 2019 has some similarities with the 2018, yet it is still firm and tannic, offering a dusty and rustic nose that needs some time to fill its shoes. Full-bodied, spicy and fresh, the Cabernet blend should find its stride in about two years. Until then, it will have plenty of time to hit its cadence.
Sliced apples, green pears and white peaches on the nose. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Fresh and well-rounded, with a caressing texture and a delicious finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
Fresh and vivid nose of cherries, spices and dried citrus peel. Medium-bodied, tense and lightly chewy, yet lively and refreshing with crunchy tannins. Juicy, with subtle floral and citrusy character at the end. Drink now or hold.
Tightly knit and supple, delivering black currant, blackberry, violet and graphite aromas and flavors. This harmonious red shows a well-integrated structure, with terrific energy and length. Though approachable now, this should really hit its stride in a year or two. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2040.
Tasted in a vertical setting of 2015 through 2020, the 2018 Thick Skinned is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with36% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is bigger, plummier and juicier, with a bolder frame that is slightly out of step with the rest of the vertical and marked with amore generous dollop of oak. Full-bodied, the wine is juicy, generously layered and robust and will need another year in the bottle but will have no problems reaching its 20th birthday.
Aromas of dark berries, dried herbs, pine wood and spice box on offer. Full and dense with taut, slightly chewy tannins. Structured and layered with a freshness to the fruit and a linear finish. Sustainable.
Both elegant and intense, this red features pure black currant, blackberry, olive paste, cedar, iron and a hint of anise aromas and flavors. Balanced and vibrant, with excellent staying power on the fruit- and mineral-laced aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2030.
A medium-bodied red, offering blackcurrants and crushed stones with some cassis-bush and mint undertones. Creamy and firm, with a bright, racy finish. Drink or hold.
Year's Best for $20 or Less
Saturated with black currant and blackberry flavors, this red also reveals, bell pepper, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco notes. Dense tannins hold court on the finish, while the fruit, savory and mineral elements linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best from 2024-2037. -B.S.
A rich and smooth red with currant, cherry and berry character, showing the ripeness of the vintage. But the palate is smooth and round with a full body and ripe tannins. Very drinkable now, but better in a year or two.
Sleek and balanced, setting the stage for black cherry, blueberry, iron and tobacco notes, this is firm, lean almost, with refined tannins and a lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2028.
Aromas of berries, currants and flowers follow through to a full body with round, soft tannins and a fruity finish. Remains fresh, nicely herbal and balanced throughout. Better in a year or two, but already really attractive. Drink or hold.
A fruity style that's beginning to mellow, with black currant, floral, woodsy, mushroom, iron and spice flavors. Juicy and focused, offering refined tannins and terrific harmony. The lingering finish is persistent, maintaining the fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2035.
Potent and dense, with sturdy blackberry, orange zest and dark chocolate accents that finish with mild tannic grip. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot
Aromas of black-skinned berry, sandalwood and mocha shape the nose on this medium-bodied red. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, the savory palate offers dried black cherry, tobacco and espresso alongside polished tannins.
The currant, violet and berry aromas come through clearly here. Full-bodied, layered and rich with plenty of ripe tannins and a flavorful finish.
A dense, chunky style, this boasts black cherry, black currant, wild herb and iron flavors. Remains firm and compact from start to finish, yet shows balance within that profile. Decant now. Should be better after another year in bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best from 2021 through 2036.
Brambleberries, lemon rind and mint. Medium body, very fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now.
A blend consisting of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese, 15% Syrah, this has aromas of black currant, pipe tobacco and a whiff of purple flower. Vibrant and elegant, the medium-bodied palate offers succulent blackberry, crunchy red cherry, clove and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.
2016 TEXSOM International Wine Competition Gold Medal
A big and juicy wine, with plums and berries and toasted oak. A little spicy, with cedar and dried fruits aftertaste. Best after 2012. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah.
Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and spices follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity, spicy finish. Give it three or four years to soften. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah.
A delicious red with plum, lemon rind and blackcurrant aromas and flavors. A little austere now but shows a long and characterful finish. Cabernet sauvignon comes through here with purity. Drink now or hold.
A chewy red with shaved-chocolate, berry and nutmeg character. Full and savory. Lots of fruit. Clean finish. Always an excellent Super Tuscan. A blend of merlot, cabernet and sangiovese. Drink now.
This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah shows a decadently soft side thanks to its aromas of black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and subtle spice. It delivers density and substance on the finish and would pair with pasta and creamy porcini sauce. – M.L. (10/1/2012)
| Review product name | Reviewer | Rating | Review text | Date posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 91 pts |
A joyful wine with aromas of rosebuds, red cherries and a hint of leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with bell pepper flavors, crunchy tannins and moderate acidity. Drink now. |
July 20, 2026 |
| 2022Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Enthusiast | 90 pts | April 7, 2026 | |
| 2019 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Enthusiast | 91 pts | August 11, 2025 | |
| 2022 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
Dark and earthy, this wine presents a rich bouquet of blackberries, plums, coffee beans, dried flowers and cedar, with a hint of tar. It is full-bodied, featuring polished, slightly firm tannins and a juicy core layered with oak spice and walnuts. Drink or hold. |
July 14, 2025 |
| 2020 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Advocate | 93 pts |
Tasted in a vertical setting of 2015 through 2020, the 2020 Thick Skinned is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Malbec and only 1% Petit Verdot. Still a baby and set to be released at the end of 2024, it’s still incredibly tight and youthful but has good bones. Firm, bold, spicy and juicy, it’s like a puppy with big floppy ears and paws that will undoubtedly grow into its size. With plenty of hedonistic, juicy dark red fruit flavors and oak essences, this will be a knockout for years to come. Your patience will be rewarded. |
December 11, 2024 |
| 2019 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Advocate | 93+ |
Tasted in a vertical setting of 2015 through 2020, the 2019 Thick Skinned is over half Cabernet Sauvignon with a quarter Malbec and 15% Petit Verdot. The 2019 has some similarities with the 2018, yet it is still firm and tannic, offering a dusty and rustic nose that needs some time to fill its shoes. Full-bodied, spicy and fresh, the Cabernet blend should find its stride in about two years. Until then, it will have plenty of time to hit its cadence. |
December 11, 2024 |
| 2022 Rainstorm Pinot Gris | James Suckling | 90 pts |
Sliced apples, green pears and white peaches on the nose. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Fresh and well-rounded, with a caressing texture and a delicious finish. Drink now. Screw cap. |
August 9, 2024 |
| 2021 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
Fresh and vivid nose of cherries, spices and dried citrus peel. Medium-bodied, tense and lightly chewy, yet lively and refreshing with crunchy tannins. Juicy, with subtle floral and citrusy character at the end. Drink now or hold. |
August 8, 2024 |
| 2021 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Spectator | 95 pts |
Tightly knit and supple, delivering black currant, blackberry, violet and graphite aromas and flavors. This harmonious red shows a well-integrated structure, with terrific energy and length. Though approachable now, this should really hit its stride in a year or two. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2040. |
June 17, 2024 |
| 2018 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Advocate | 92 pts |
Tasted in a vertical setting of 2015 through 2020, the 2018 Thick Skinned is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with36% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is bigger, plummier and juicier, with a bolder frame that is slightly out of step with the rest of the vertical and marked with amore generous dollop of oak. Full-bodied, the wine is juicy, generously layered and robust and will need another year in the bottle but will have no problems reaching its 20th birthday. |
April 1, 2024 |
| 2017 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Advocate | 94 pts | April 1, 2024 | |
| 2016 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Advocate | 92 pts | April 1, 2024 | |
| 2015 Thick Skinned Red Mountain92 | Wine Advocate | 92 pts | April 1, 2024 | |
| 2021 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Enthusiast | 94 pts | February 20, 2024 | |
| 2020 Castello Banfi Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Enthusiast | 94 pts | October 4, 2023 | |
| 2020 Castello Banfi Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 93 pts |
Aromas of dark berries, dried herbs, pine wood and spice box on offer. Full and dense with taut, slightly chewy tannins. Structured and layered with a freshness to the fruit and a linear finish. Sustainable. |
September 12, 2023 |
| 2020 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Spectator | 93 pts |
Both elegant and intense, this red features pure black currant, blackberry, olive paste, cedar, iron and a hint of anise aromas and flavors. Balanced and vibrant, with excellent staying power on the fruit- and mineral-laced aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2030. |
June 15, 2023 |
| 2019 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
A medium-bodied red, offering blackcurrants and crushed stones with some cassis-bush and mint undertones. Creamy and firm, with a bright, racy finish. Drink or hold. |
September 30, 2022 |
| 2021 Rainstorm Pinot Gris | Wine & Spirits Magazine | 90 pts |
Year's Best for $20 or Less |
September 30, 2022 |
| 2019 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Spectator | 93 pts |
Saturated with black currant and blackberry flavors, this red also reveals, bell pepper, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco notes. Dense tannins hold court on the finish, while the fruit, savory and mineral elements linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best from 2024-2037. -B.S. |
June 17, 2022 |
| 2017 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
A rich and smooth red with currant, cherry and berry character, showing the ripeness of the vintage. But the palate is smooth and round with a full body and ripe tannins. Very drinkable now, but better in a year or two. |
January 10, 2022 |
| 2017 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Spectator | 92 pts |
Sleek and balanced, setting the stage for black cherry, blueberry, iron and tobacco notes, this is firm, lean almost, with refined tannins and a lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2028. |
October 14, 2021 |
| 2016 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 93 pts |
Aromas of berries, currants and flowers follow through to a full body with round, soft tannins and a fruity finish. Remains fresh, nicely herbal and balanced throughout. Better in a year or two, but already really attractive. Drink or hold. |
August 31, 2020 |
| 2016 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Spectator | 94 pts |
A fruity style that's beginning to mellow, with black currant, floral, woodsy, mushroom, iron and spice flavors. Juicy and focused, offering refined tannins and terrific harmony. The lingering finish is persistent, maintaining the fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Drink now through 2035. |
August 31, 2020 |
| 2016 Thick Skinned Red Mountain | Wine Spectator | 90 pts |
Potent and dense, with sturdy blackberry, orange zest and dark chocolate accents that finish with mild tannic grip. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot |
August 18, 2020 |
| 2016 Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Enthusiast | 90 pts |
Aromas of black-skinned berry, sandalwood and mocha shape the nose on this medium-bodied red. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, the savory palate offers dried black cherry, tobacco and espresso alongside polished tannins. |
March 26, 2020 |
| 2015 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
The currant, violet and berry aromas come through clearly here. Full-bodied, layered and rich with plenty of ripe tannins and a flavorful finish. |
January 30, 2020 |
| 2015 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Spectator | 92 pts |
A dense, chunky style, this boasts black cherry, black currant, wild herb and iron flavors. Remains firm and compact from start to finish, yet shows balance within that profile. Decant now. Should be better after another year in bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best from 2021 through 2036. |
January 30, 2020 |
| 2014 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 91 pts |
Brambleberries, lemon rind and mint. Medium body, very fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now. |
September 13, 2018 |
| 2013 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Enthusiast | 91 pts |
A blend consisting of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese, 15% Syrah, this has aromas of black currant, pipe tobacco and a whiff of purple flower. Vibrant and elegant, the medium-bodied palate offers succulent blackberry, crunchy red cherry, clove and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins. |
August 15, 2017 |
| 2011 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Texsom Wine Competition | Gold |
2016 TEXSOM International Wine Competition Gold Medal |
May 9, 2016 |
| 2008 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 91 pts |
A big and juicy wine, with plums and berries and toasted oak. A little spicy, with cedar and dried fruits aftertaste. Best after 2012. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah. |
March 31, 2016 |
| 2009 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and spices follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity, spicy finish. Give it three or four years to soften. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah. |
March 31, 2016 |
| 2012 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 92 pts |
A delicious red with plum, lemon rind and blackcurrant aromas and flavors. A little austere now but shows a long and characterful finish. Cabernet sauvignon comes through here with purity. Drink now or hold. |
March 31, 2016 |
| 2011 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | James Suckling | 91 pts |
A chewy red with shaved-chocolate, berry and nutmeg character. Full and savory. Lots of fruit. Clean finish. Always an excellent Super Tuscan. A blend of merlot, cabernet and sangiovese. Drink now. |
March 31, 2016 |
| 2009 Cum Laude Toscana IGT | Wine Enthusiast | 91 pts |
This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah shows a decadently soft side thanks to its aromas of black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and subtle spice. It delivers density and substance on the finish and would pair with pasta and creamy porcini sauce. – M.L. (10/1/2012) |
March 8, 2013 |