Veronelli 2016 Awards

VERONELLI EDITORE

JAMES SUCKLING

Leuta Tau

2010: 91 pts Smells like freshly cut flowers with dried berries and hints of bark. Full body, with chewy tannins and a fresh, tangy acidity. Shows lots of energy. Give it two or three years to soften. A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Try in 2015.

2011: 92 pts A wonderfully floral bouquet of roses and lavender with hints of raspberries. A juicy, succulent full body enveloped by velvety tannins before a sophisticated finish. The use of barrique comes across nicely but not too much. A very well-made, sexy wine. Drink in 2016.

2012: 91 pts A delicious blend that delivers plenty of spice, dried fruit and berry aromas and flavors. Full body, silky tannins and a crisp finish. Lightly austere tannins. Drink or hold.

2013: 94 pts A tangy red with dried cherry, chocolate and cedar character. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a refined, lightly velvety textured finish. A cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah blend. Drink now or hold.

2014: 90 pts Dried cranberries, raspberry cheesecake and dried spices. Medium body, juicy tannins and a fruity finish. Drink now.

Leuta 0,618 Syrah

2011: 92 pts Bing cherry, strawberry preserve, caramel, salted chocolate, roasted espresso, spice, custard, camp fire and incense. Full-bodied, modern style. Drink now.

2012: 92 pts A spicy, rich red with hits of prunes and meat. Full body with round, chewy tannins. Better in 2017.

2013: 92 pts A soft and velvety red with plum and vanilla. Medium to full body and a savory finish. I like the underlying acidity. Drink now.

2014: not produced

2015: 91 pts There’s some pretty blue fruit on display here. Blueberry tart, elderberries and baking spices all come to the surface, as well as citrus. Full-bodied and round on the palate with a touch of fruit compote on the finish. Drink now.

Leuta 1,618 Merlot

2009: 92 pts Richly perfumed with cherry cola, herbs and spices. Medium-bodied with a silky texture, a generous oak frame and a chewy tannin finish. Drink now.

2010: 93 pts A very pretty merlot with dark-fruit, chocolate and mineral aromas and flavors. Full body with round, silky tannins. Aftertaste of earth with hints of hazelnut. Drink now.

2011: 86 pts This is a bit earthy with some berry and plum character. Medium body, soft texture. Simple finish. Drink now.

2012: 92 pts Aromas of lightly cooked fruit, tobacco, green olives and and herbs follow through to a full body, soft and velvety tannins and a savory finish. Delicious finish of fruit and leafs.

2013: 92 pts A linear and fine-grained red with plum, coffee and chocolate character. Medium body, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now.

2014: 88 pts There’s quite a lot of candied fruit on the nose of this, as well as frozen strawberries and plum liqueur. Full-bodied and juicy but a little jammy on the finish. Drink now.

Solitario di Leuta

2009: 90 pts A red with dried cherries and meat aromas. Full body, round tannins and a medium finish. A little closed right now. Better in 2015 when the tannins soften.

2010: 91 pts Zesty nose of braised beef, cherry flambé and shaved chocolate. A dynamic medium-bodied wine with nice grip, structure and balance. Drink now.

2011: 92 pts Gorgeous sangivoese with cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium body, a solid core of fruit and ripe tannins. Long finish. Drink now.

2013: 91 pts Subtle and fruity cabernet franc with chocolate, berry and hints of almond aromas and flavors. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.

2012: 92 pts Gorgeous sangivoese with cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium body, a solid core of fruit and ripe tannins. Long finish. Drink now.

Leuta 2,618 Cabernet Franc

2010: 91 pts A wine with compelling, cooked plums and on the nose and palate. Full and softly textured with lots of cherry and berry character. Pure Cabernet Franc. Better in 2015.

2011: 90 pts A ripe and slightly raisiny red with refined tannins and a juicy finish. More Loire-style than Bordeaux. Drink now.

2013: 91 pts Subtle and fruity cabernet franc with chocolate, berry and hints of almond aromas and flavors. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.

2014: 89 pts A slightly lifted nose with a light body and plenty of cherry fruits. Drink now.

2015: 91 pts Brambleberries, tar, tobacco and spices. Full body, juicy tannins and a medium-chewy finish that’s nicely wound up by pretty acidity. Drink now.