Description
The Ferragamo surname is synonymous with Italian creativity and entrepreneurship and style, class and refinement! Certainly this wine exemplifies these attributes! And after 20 years of evolution, while I have adored the fabulous 2015 and 2016 vintages, the opulent, but ultra-elegant and perfectly composed 2018 just may very well be the finest produced to date.
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Il Borro was purchase by Ferruccio Ferragamo (the son of Salvatore Ferragamo who passed away in 1960) in 1993. A few years after acquiring the medieval hilltop village and surrounding 1700 acres, extensive renovations and refurbishing transformed the buildings into a luxury destination resort hotel and spa. Then attention was shifted to viticulture as the property has a rich history going back to the early 1600s. Since launching the Il Borro label in 1999, the property and its vintages have continued to gain fame and notoriety under the guidance of Ferruccio’s son, Salvatore Ferragamo. Long famous for their iconic Italian fashion house, the attention-to-detail in all they do is evident throughout the biodynamic, organically farmed and certified 117 acres of vineyards. The perfectly balanced blend is composed of estate grown 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Syrah.
“Aromas of blackberries, tar and bark. Complex. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate. Fresh and vivid. Seamless. 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet sauvignon and 15% Syrah. Beautiful to drink now, but will be even better in three or four years.” – 97 points, James Suckling (June 2022)
“This wine marks a 20th anniversary since the first vintage was produced in 1999. The Il Borro 2018 Il Borro is 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah. Previous vintages also had some Petit Verdot, but that variety was removed because it left too strong a mark in a changing climate. The vines were also converted over to guyot for the same reasons. The wine shows the mint and spice of Merlot and Syrah, respectively, and the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 vintage shows rich concentration and bright freshness. It had 18 months of oak to add supple softness.” – 95 points, Wine Advocate/Robert Parker (Monica Larner) – December 2022
“A supple, almost opulent red, with a core of ripe raspberry and kirsch. Features floral, wild herb and iron notes that provide depth, and the firm structure keeps this buoyant and well-defined. Reveals hints of vanilla that leave a spicy impression on the long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Best from 2024 through 2033.” – 93 points, Wine Spectator (Bruce Sanderson)