Meet ‘Aros’. This one’s name originates from Greek for “from the river’s mouth”. Equal parts Cabernet and Sangiovese, it combines the best of Bordeaux and Italy at a price that’s just unbelievable. Similar to the Aristeo it’s packed with ripe, generous fruit, and the best part… once again is… THE PRICE!

Sadly, this Wine Spies Exclusive is highly limited. Sitting in the warehouse, at A MERE $22, you can almost see the $100 Napa Cabs blushing with embarrassment. This delivers heavyweight intensity and complexity for a welterweight price. How they do it is a Da Vinci Code, but we do have some hints.

First the genius consulting winemaker here, Andrea Bernardini, the man of the hour. That partly explains the “greatness for less” part. A graduate of the highly regarded University of Pisa’s enology & viticulture program, he first helped put Poggio Bonelli on the Tuscan map before stints around the globe taking him to South Africa, Romania, and Greece. He returned to his Tuscan roots, to oversee Ruffino, La Bollina, and CorteMedicea! Known for his modern, forward style, he’s crushing it these days.

Starts out with a bouquet of floral, berry, tea, and cigar box notes. Shows lovely harmony between the Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying plenty of youthful red fruits, allied to a complex profile. The excellent length also puts this in the company of many a cult Super Tuscan that costs A LOT MORE.

Wish we had more of these, really…

Those lucky few who get some will be very happy you did. Happy hunting!

98 Points – Luca Maroni