POGGIO AL TESORO `W Dedicato a Walter` Cabernet Franc 2005 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. This wine is produced from just two rows of vines covering 0.5 hectares in the Via Bolgherese vineyard. The vineyard faces west-southwest, with coarse red sand, stones and clay soil and is situated at just 50m above sea level. The vines are spur cordon trained, with yields of approximately 36hl/ha. The grapes were picked in the first week of October. It is named after Walter Allegrini, the late brother of Marilisa and Franco. After de-stemming and soft pressing with partial rupture of the berries, fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 30°C. Frequent ‘delestage‘ or rack and return, as well as punching down the cap, was used to extract good colour and ripe tannins. Postfermentation maceration followed. The wine was aged in 100% new French barriques for 18 months and spent at least four months in bottle prior to release. Intense ruby red in colour, with perfumes of spiced, red fruits and nicely balanced toasty oak. On the palate the wine has excellent structure, with ripe fruit and sweet, soft tannins. It is full-bodied and well balanced, with a long, elegant finish. "A wine that continues to impress. Varietal aromas emerge from the glass followed by a warm, generous expression of dark fruit as this beautiful, undeniably sexy wine flows from the glass. It offers lovely weight on the palate, with a variety of roasted coffee bean, spice and sweet herb overtones that emerge with air. From start to finish, the wine reveals superb balance and harmony. It is an outstanding effort in this vintage." Robert Parker‘s Wine Advocate June 2008, 92 points Vintage 2005 Grape varieties 100% Cabernet Franc Region Bolgheri Winemaker Nicola Biasi Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14.5% Price: £48.38 (Including VAT at 20%)