Description

Oh my!  A rich, lavish, and savory Merlot from Bolgheri along the Tuscan coast from the much-heralded 2021 vintage.  Its value price point relative to peers, and the outstanding Wine Spectator and Decanter ratings at 95 points make this a must have opportunity.

I should add if you are unfamiliar with the Bolgheri region, the primary grapes grown here are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and the wines compete with the finest Bordeaux from St-Emillion and Pomerol.   Maybe you are familiar with these iconic and famous wines from Bolgheri;  Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Macchiole, Guado al Tasso, Grattamacco, Sapaio, Argentiera, and I Greppi to name a few.  Time to add San Felice’s “Bell’Aja” to the list!

San Felice’s Bell’Aja Estate was born in 2016 from a 6-hectare estate previously planted in 2011.  The hectares are combined in a single plot, cultivated with Cabernet Sauvignon (2 ha) and Merlot (4 ha). The vineyards are in the Le Sondraie area on clayey-sandy soils located northwest of the historic village of Bolgheri, sitting closer to the Tuscan coastline in the lower, flatter plains of the Castagneto Carducci municipality.

 From the winery: The Bolgheri Superiore is produced almost entirely with Merlot from the oldest parcel of our vineyard located in the Le Sondraie area of Bolgheri with a small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), this wine is the faithful expression of a unique terroir. It is a wine that combines immediate pleasure with character and aging potential. Deep ruby red color. The nose reveals hints of ripe red fruits with spicy notes of licorice and cocoa. On the palate is full, ample, with smooth and silky tannins. 16,000 bottles produced!  2400 bottles were imported to the USA.

  95 points Wine Spectator! Lush and supple in texture, yet with lively acidity and finely wrought tannins, this red features black currant, plum, vanilla, coffee, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors. Powerful yet graceful, energetic and long, with a complex aftertaste that echoes fruit, mineral and oak elements. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2027 through 2043. 1,300 cases made, 200 cases imported.