Matarocchio 2013

The Tenuta Guado al Tasso belonged to the noble family Della Gherardesca until being inherited by the famous Antinori wine-growing family in 1830. It had already begun producing wine in Bolgheri in the second half of the 17th century. Antinori's modern style of Tenuta Gaudo al Tasso wine shows an immaculate clear profile throughout, enthralled by the superb maturity of the fruit. Bolgheri Rosso Superiore Tenuta Guado al Tasso has been the showpiece of the house's range for many years!

A gorgeous rendition of Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Guado al Tasso Matarocchio is part of the movement toward new expressions of Cabernet Franc, which are some of the most thrilling wines coming out of Italy today. The 2013 vintage has enchanting sensations of mint, sweet spices, small ripe dark fruits, tobacco and toasted coffee. This is framed with a palate that is persistent and rich in silky and sweet tannins but with a vibrant and tonic character.

99 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2013 Matarocchio is perhaps the most stunning wine I have yet tasted from the prolific portfolio of Italy's most significant producer: Marchesi Antinori. This pure expression of Cabernet Franc comes from the family’s Bolgheri estate Tenuta Guado al Tasso. I tasted the wine after it had been in bottle for 18 months. It is set to be released in September, and less than 4,000 bottles were produced. Matarocchio was not made in 2014. Cabernet Franc is quickly becoming a headline grape along the Tuscan Coast, and this beautiful creation builds a rock-solid case for that claim. The bouquet is deep and penetrating with delicious and succulent aromatic layers that peel back in slow succession. Blackberry and dark currant is followed by tar, licorice, leather and delicate mineral tones that resemble polished river stone. There is spice, pepper and sweet clove. The best part, however, is the elegance and veritable lightness shown in the mouth. The wine is indeed structured and richly concentrated, but it feels so much lighter on its feet compared to the bulkier 2011 vintage that I tasted alongside for comparison. The wine's drinking window will remain wide open for many more years.

97 Points - Vinous

The 2013 Matarocchio, 100% Cabernet Franc, is superb. The 2013 captures all the best qualities of the Tuscan coast, which is deep, sumptuous and enveloping in all its dimensions. Dark-fleshed fruit, smoke, mocha, plum, espresso and new French oak infuse this deep, fleshy wine. Sweet tannins give the wine added texture, but a good bit of freshness keeps the wine from being overly heavy. The 100% new French oak is impeccably balanced.

96 Points - Decanter

Despite the relatively young age of the vines, planted in 2000, the cool vintage in the mild Mediterranean climate of Bolgheri produced extraordinary ripeness and balance. This Matarocchio is full of grace and elegance, with dried eucalyptus leaf, milk chocolate praline and restrained cassis core; full, fat and sweet on the palate with extremely precise tannins and brilliant acid. It lacks the power of 2015 yet shows superb elegance, so I would drink this now, waiting for the 2015. Drinking Window 2019 - 2045.