Do names like Sassicaia & Ornallaia get your heart beating a little faster? What about Tenuta degli Dei?

Those who recognize the name know it’s rarely seen in the USA, and already skipped out of here to grab some. If you’re still in the dark, let’s get you caught up on this Tuscan powerhouse described as “resoundingly beautiful”.

For starters, the scores: a pair of big ones clocking in at 97 & 96 points!! Now check the price - under $40!? Can you find another Super Tuscan from the illustrious 2016 vintage for this price? Don’t bother looking because the answer is NO. You cannot.

We’re not the only ones who see clearly that this one can easily measure up to the top Super Tuscans that go for up to 10 TIMES what you’re paying here today. “Potential is undeniable” raves James Suckling, adding that it’s “elegant and resoundingly beautiful.” Antonio Galloni adds “a level of refinement that places these new releases in rarified company” calling it “gorgeous” and adding that “power, structure and finesse come together in a wine that impresses for its superb balance and sheer class.”

What’s in our glasses too is flamboyant and flashy for sure, yet with that unmistakable Tuscan feel of the countryside, where Arabian horses and classic Ferraris dwell side by side in the stately ‘farms’ and world famous olive oils, charcuterie and cheeses made are only surpassed by the reputation of the wines. This is mostly a blend of Cabernets, 50% Sauvignon and 15% Franc, complemented by a healthy dose of Petit Verdot, adding structure and depth.

The nose has it all, big bold berries – check. Espresso and chocolate – check. Earth and herbs – check. A touch of exotic spice – check. Then comes the first sip. It’s so ethereally silky and lithe that a second sip followed by a “hmm” is inevitable to grasp the beauty here. Powdery tannins effortlessly waltz across a powerful finish showcasing both oomph and grace. How it can be done is beyond us. What you can pair this with is up to you, but we can hint at Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the tremendous Tuscan T-bone.

A fresh CellarTracker note sums it all up nicely; “Drank so well I opened another bottle tonight after almost finishing one off last night. Haven’t done back to back same wines in a long time. Delicious.”

Get at least a pair in your Locker for that same reason, we say get a case or more if you can justify it, who knows when, heck, IF we’ll see another Cab-based Super Tuscan under $40 ever again?!

97 Points – James Suckling

“What an amazing nose with pure herbs coming to the fore, soon to be joined by fresh brambleberries, blueberries, violets, heather, lavender, pine needles and forest floor. Fabulous aromas of dark fruits such as blueberries and blackberries. Full body, chewy but incredibly fine tannins, and tons of floral undertones. Firm and silky. Lovely combination of fruit, ripe and linear tannins and a fresh finish. Potential is undeniable. Elegant and resoundingly beautiful. Delicious now, but better in 2023.”

96 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“This is a stellar set of wines from Tommaso Cavalli. Stylistically, the wines are rich and racy in feel, and yet I see a level of refinement that places these new releases in rarified company. To be sure, the top wines feature international grapes, but here they speak with a strong Tuscan accent. The 2016 Tenuta Degli Dei is gorgeous. Power, structure and finesse come together in a wine that impresses for its superb balance and sheer class. Medium in body, but with tremendous fruit density and persistence, the 2016 has so much to offer. Sweet floral notes develop on the finish, adding perfume, lift and sensuality. I would cellar it for at least a few years to allow its full aromatic presence to emerge. Drink 2021-2036.”