Cotarella 2020 Sodale Merlot Lazio 750ml

The 2019 Merlot Sodale wafts up from the glass with a dusting of confectioners’ spice and nuances of crystalized ginger, blood orange and wild blueberries. This is elegant with silky textures that glide across the palate, contrasted by tart raspberry, sour citrus and fine tannins that slowly saturate toward the close. While tannic through the finale, the mouth is left watering for more, tapering off with nuances of black currants and sage. What a beauty this is, and with short-term cellar potential as well.

Score: 91 points -- Eric Guido, Vinous, 2022