2021, Petrolo Galatrona, VALDARNO DI SOPRA, ITALY

Val d'Arno di Sopra, Italy

"Le Pin of Italy" James Sucking

GALATRONA  is an exiting wine made by organic winemaker Luca Sanjust and considered by many to be a sure rival for Masseto - and a lot less expensive. The source for Galatrona is a single Merlot vineyard located within the confines of the centuries old Petrolo estate, perched in the hills just outside the eastern part of Chianti Classico. The high altitude and the cool clay, marl and shale soils allow for an extended ripening period, so whilst this is certainly a wine of intensity and aromatic fireworks, it is equally about the structure and complexity that comes from prolonged hang time.

The 2021 Galatrona is a fine follow-up to the 2020. In most vintages, Galatrona is very showy right out of the gate. That is not at all the case with the 2021, a wine that is going to need a number of years to be at its finest. Black cherry, plum, mocha, leather, licorice and incense infuse the 2021 with tremendous complexity. More than anything else, I admire a feeling of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere. This is a tremendous wine by any measure.
98/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The aromas here are very distinct with dried flowers such as lavender and violets. Some sage as well. Black berries and black olive skin. Full-bodied yet linear and energetic with very fine tannins and fantastic length. Fresh and lively in the finish. Merlot. Best after 2026. 98/100 James Suckling.

The 2021 Galatrona, 100% Merlot, is medium to deep garnet-purple in colour. Quite closed to start, it requires a lot of swirling to bring out wonderfully pure notes of wild blueberries and juicy blackberries, followed by hints of plum pudding, cinnamon stick, and violets. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of bright, energetic black fruits with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Drink 2025 – 2045 96 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW