Mission Codename Maximus Supremus Meridius
Nope, you don’t need an eye exam. THAT is the correct price you see for this 95 POINT ray of Tuscan sunshine. We had to make sure there wasn’t a missing zero in the quote - not $260. Yup $26 big ones! FAIR WARNING - we probably didn’t get enough to satisfy all the thirsty operatives and this WILL sell out…
75% Sangiovese with 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet join together in a harmonious blend that represents the best of Tuscany and Bordeaux. This tour de force comes from a collaboration between Franco Bernabei of the legendary Banfi, and importer extraordinaire Neil Empson. Wine Spectator heaped praise on Neil as a leader of the Super Tuscan revolution, someone “who proselytized fine Italian wines at a time when that very phrase was, if not entirely unknown, viewed with skepticism.” He force-fed producers like Costanti, Marcarini, and, not least, Angelo Gaja, to curious American wine lovers. Now he’s leveling up and defining a new high watermark in the category with this affordable gem.
DARK! Powerful! Downright sexy. HUGE, soaring, mouth-filling fruit pops from the glass here. Waves of blueberry cobbler, dried cherries, black licorice, and toasty Asian spices all complemented by a streak of bright acidity that keeps it energized. The 2015 vintage, as we’ve praised so much, has it all. This is the “Best ever” rendition of Supremus as James Suckling noted. Spectacular to enjoy right when it lands on your doorstep, but totally worth laying down for five years.
In the realm of culty Super-Tuscans, NOTHING comes close at this price. You could spend $100 and hardly exceed this quality. Even at $40 its an absurd value, but at this price – untouchable! Super limited…get it while it’s here.
95 Points – James Suckling “A gorgeous Supremus with very fine tannins and blackberry and blueberry character. Firm and silky. Full body. Racy and focused. Linear and bright. Best ever. Drink after 2021.”
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
Look | Gorgeous ruby with scarlet reflections. |
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Smell | Bright cherries with plum, cassis, and Tahitian vanilla accents. |
Taste | Elegant, seductive, ripe yet refreshingly balanced with lively freshness and oak spice. |
Finish | Extremely long and reminiscent of the top echelon of the region with fine-grained tannins |
Pairing | Roast lamb, wild mushrooms, rich stews, charcuterie, and aged cheeses. |
What the Winery Says
2015 'Supremus' Toscana IGT
- Winemaker
- Franco Bernabei
- Proprietor
- Neil Empson
- Varietals
- 75% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- IGT Toscana
- Soils
- Limestone & calcareous clay
- Elevation
- 1,312-1,475 feet above sea level
- Density
- 2,024 vines per acre
- Average vine age
- Over 25-years old
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Aging
- 14 months
- Barrels
- 70% new French barriques