Antinori 2021 Guado Al Tasso Cont'Ugo 750ml

An inky red/purple color, the 2021 Cont'Ugo offers a gorgeous nose with pure, ripe aromas of red apple skin, vanilla bean, mocha, sweet tobacco, and sandalwood. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and ample, with very nice mouthwatering acidity and mineral undercurrents despite having such plushness of fruit. Delicate notes of dark chocolate on the finish balance this out nicely and add lift to this pillowy wine. It’s approachable now but will benefit from time to show off its more Mediterranean notes and will provide an ample drinking window over the next 15 or more years.

Score: 95 points -- Audrey Frick, jebdunnock.com, 2024