POGGIO AL TESORO Sondraia 2006 Poggio al Tesoro is the result of a joint venture between the Allegrini family of Verona and their US importer, Leonardo Lo Cascio. Situated in Bolgheri, this 70 hectare property was acquired in 2001, with their first vintage the following year. The vineyard they first bought is on the Bolgherese, next door to (and previously rented by) Ornellaia. Alberto Antonini was consultant winemaker until 2009, when Nicola Biasi took over. Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit for this blend was sourced from the 3Ha Via Bolgherese vineyard situated at 56m above sea level. Soils here are deep, composed of coarse red sand, rich in gravel, well drained and with a clay layer at a depth of 120cm. The planting density is 9,000 vines/Ha. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon was soured from 12Ha of Le Sondraie vineyard situated 35m above sea level. Soils here are free-draining and a mixture of clay and sandy silt with a high presence of magnesium and iron. Planting density is 7,500 vines/Ha. The vines are cordon trained and spur pruned in each case and the average age of the vines is 9 years. Yields are around 35Hl/Ha. 2006 was one of the best vintages ever in Bolgheri. The climatic conditions were normal and the fruit development good, thanks to a little rainfall in the spring and a dry summer. Harvest took place by hand in mid-September through to mid-October when the fruit was ripe, very concentrated and had an excellent aromatic profile. After de-stemming and soft pressing with partial rupture of the berries, fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28-30°C for ten days. Frequent ‘delestage‘ or rack and return, as well as punching down the cap, was used to extract good colour and ripe tannins. Post-fermentation maceration took place for 22 days because the tannins were so ripe after which the wine was aged in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French barriques for 18 months. It spent a further nine months in bottle prior to release. Intense ruby red in colour with perfumes of exotic spices and notes of ripe red fruits. Round and full-bodied with warm, juicy fruit, silky, ripe tannins and a long, spicy finish. Gold Medal - International Wine Challenge 2009 Vintage 2006 Grape varieties 65% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot 10% Cabernet Franc Region Bolgheri Winemaker Nicola Biasi Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14 Price: £141.67 (Including VAT at 20%)