Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot.

Medium-dark burgundy colour. Aromas of barnyard, earth, cherry, red fruit. Medium-bodied, with red fruit. Short-moderate finish, 20-25s with red fruit. Way too young. 88 points (11/18/2005).

This black red wine had a lovely floral, blackberry and black cherry nose with some earthy tones. The and nose palate were restrained due to its youth(I hope as I have 5 more bottles) with more blackcherry and some pepper and spices on the lively medium acidic palate. Well made wine, seamless and very fine with a strong mouth coating tannic finish. 92+ for now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mimik,

That's totally diferent from my TNs. I rated it 94+. I loved it a lot.
Maybe an off bottle you got Futronic?? Or just didn't like it as much.

Just didn't like it as much. Keep in mind that my note is from a year ago, so perhaps the wine has opened up a little as well.

Luc, out Tns are not that different but our scores are. Did you decant? I didn't.

I have some 2002 has anyone tasted one recently?

re: '02 - Not me - just one bottle, so I'm gonna let it grow up. But I'd be interested in reading notes on it.

I have a couple of the '03s... I'm thinking those should grow up, too.

Thanks to the Drabbers for your notes.

I've ordered a bottle of this wine and I'm really anxious to try it. From everything I read here I'm going to really enjoy it when it comes.

Futronic, maybe you would like it today. But maybe not. Anyway, I respect your TNs.

Mimik, I did decant it for about two hours. I thought that it opened quite nicely.

Cracked the '03 to celebrate tonight.

Hot damn... What a wine. I have every vintage of Ilatraia, but I never tried it before tonight. (I'm a big Il Blu fan.)

Great color... no sign of age (no surprise, I suppose). This is 60% Cab, 30 % Sangio, and 10% Petit Verdot. Great blend... I LOVED the character... The Sangio, believe it or not, seemed prominent at first... Came across as a very Italian wine at first. As it warmed and breathed, the Cabernet took over... seemed more international/modern in style. All along, the Petit Verdot seemed to add a structure or maturity to it. Wonderfully smooth, I can't pick up any weak points. Finish is a little drying, but fantastic. Long and delicious.

All the fruit flavors are very fresh. Nothing kicks you in the mouth... great balance and not overdone in any way. Excellent wine.

I didn't decant, but drank nearly all of a bottle by myself over about an hour. So I think it's a drink Now-???. No need to wait, but I think it's still improving. Just a bit of sediment in the bottle.

Great to drink a high-scoring wine that doesn't feel brutal. Elegant might be too much, but it certainly is a smooth operator. 95pts.

One of the best I've had.

Nice notes and agree it is an amazing bottle of wine. I had same score as you...

Lentini, thanks for the update. 'Nice to see this is approachable already. I'm finding myself short on patience these days.

• 2003 Brancaia Ilatraia Maremma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT (1/24/2009)
  TWC 5-Year Anniversary Dinner (Crush Wine Bar, Toronto, Canada): Decanted 1 hour. Opaque ruby/burgundy colour. Cool nose of mineral/slate, blackberry, eucalyptus, and black licorice. Medium-full bodied, initially quite closed but opens slightly to show blackcurrant and herb notes on the palate. Good structure. Moderate finish. Still needs time, but this has really developed nicely over the last 3.5 years. Cellar for another couple years and drink for at least the next five after that. (93 pts.)

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