Mission Codename Silver bullet
“Argentiera is with the best of the best in Tuscany.” – James Suckling
Unlike the supposed aliens that crashed into a backyard in Vegas, we have irrefutable proof of something NEVER BEFORE SEEN.
At a fancy CA wine shop, you can splurge $190 for a bottle of this. Or if you are a savvy internet sleuth in NJ, you can go as low as $90. Or. hear us out… you lock it down from us for an earthshattering $79.
Seriously. What??! Topping out with a 98 point review from the up-and-coming Falstaff. Not sure about them? How about 97 from Wine Advocate, another 97 from Suckling, and 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck?
This wine brings a track record of nothing but immense scores and majestic accolades since its inception in 1999. It goes toe-to-toe with the very best Tuscans in the WORLD, but it’s priced wildly less than your Sassicaia, Flaccianello, Ornellaia, etc.
Wine Spectator spells it out for us: “using Bordeaux grapes and new-school winemaking techniques, Le Macchiole, Argentiera, Ornellaia and Antinori showed how this coastal region has become world-class for wines that marry almost New World character with savory and wild herb notes strongly rooted in Tuscany.”
A quick comparison of its Tuscan brethren shows this:
- 2019 Ornellaia (D98, JD97, JS97, WA97) for $270
- 2019 Flaccianello (RP98, JS96, WS94) for $180
- 2019 Sassicaia (D100, WE99, JS99, WA98) for $260
- Tenuta Argentiera (F98, WA98, JS97, JD96) for $79
With all those flashy names in the $150-$300 range, this presents an immense value proposition. Even at full price. At roughly half off, lovers of Tuscan wine need to lock it down, pronto.
Elaborating on the greatness here James Suckling says “located in the famous Bolgheri district on Tuscany’s coastline, Argentiera is neighbored by some of Italy’s most famous wineries: Guado al Tasso, Ornellaia and Sassicaia. The prime location is complemented by a world-class team led by Federico Zileri, the vineyard manager, and Stephane Derenoncourt, the famous Bordeaux consulting oenologist… the Bolgheri Superiore is always a rich and silky, blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, always with a harmonious, soulful nature.”
“…harmonious, soulful…”
Can we describe this symphony of aromas and flavors any better? Read the reviews yourself, as they put it all out there. Elegant, graceful, intense and finessed, it’s a thoroughbred reminiscent of Bordeaux’s First Growths. Only with that super-Tuscan breadth that only the best terroirs in Bolgheri can achieve layering on, with a savory and delectable sensuality that leaves you yearning for more with every sniff and sip.
Too bad we have this one small batch – they would not give us the same deal again!
98 Points – Fallstaff
“Noble ruby red, and darkly luminous. Rich and inviting nose, opens with fine spices, some sandalwood and cardamom, then rich forest fruit and ripe raspberry, followed by Amarena cherry on the finish. On the palate, fine spices and great texture, balanced, enveloping, with tight tannins, precise, showing finesse and elegance, with an exquisite drive on the palate, and a long finish.”
97 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“What a beauty and what an incredible leap forward to excellence. The Tenuta Argentiera 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera shows depth and wide shoulders with soft plushness and impeccable fruit. The full-bodied wine is dialed up on all levels from perfumes, intensity, mouthfeel, texture and freshness. This bottle should hold past the 20-year mark. Drink 2024-2045.”
97 Points – James Suckling
“This is so nicely crafted, with tannins that are fine and integrated, creating such a fine, silky texture. It’s medium-bodied with fantastic length and a long, persistent finish. So drinkable now, but will be even better in two or three years. Try after 2024.”
96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“It is no exaggeration to say this is truly one of the most beautiful and picturesque estates in the world… The 2019 Argentiera is compact and savory with herbaceous layers as well as notes of menthol, toasted cedar, cassis, and fresh leather. Full-bodied and fresh, with beautiful taper and a lift of acidity on the finish, it delivers a rich concentration of flavors with blackberry, violets, and oak spice. It is long on the palate and deserves another year in cellar before enjoying over the following 15-20 years. Drink 2024-2044.”
What the Winery Says
2019 'Argentiera' Bolgheri Superiore
- Winemaker
- Nicolò Carrara
- Varietals
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellation
- Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany
- Altitude
- 180-200 meters above sea level
- Exposure
- Southwest
- Density
- 7,500 vines/Ha
- Aging:
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French oak