DESCRIPTION: 2007 was a vintage where wines from late-ripening fruit like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot came out on top because they could live longer to the dew of autumn mornings. Musts in the vats had very little juice - the pumps would sometimes fail for lack of liquid in the mass which, pushed, made a sound like a wicker. After fermentation, the wines looked black and impenetrable for months before they started deepening. In April they were showing a kind of fruit and tannin the like of which we have never seen before. There is no doubt that this vintage's wine will be peaking for many years.

Wine Advocate:

The 2007 Tenuta di Trinoro delivers impressive results despite the challenging, drought-driven growing season. Andrea Franchetti remembers walking through the vineyards and hearing the crackling sound of leaves as they disintegrated in the dry weather. Under those conditions, it's not hard to imagine the dark berry concentration, textural density and general ripeness on display in this wine. This edition sees Cabernet Franc in the driver's seat (at 55% of the blend) because, as Franchetti puts it, "Cabernet Franc ripens on a sweet side, not a sour side." The wine is fleshy, opulent and packed tight with blackberry preserves, cherry compote, spice, leather and grilled herb. The tannins are dry and polished, but they make a great contrast against the sweetness of the wine's berry flavors.

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2027

POINTS: 95-RP,95-WA-95AG