Maculan Fratta 2019

Dark and youthfully imposing, the 2019 Fratta wafts up with an earthy blend of flowery underbrush and mentholated herbs before evolving with notes of blackberry and balsamic spice. This is like pure velvet on the palate, weighty in feel yet perfectly offset by cooling acidity and mineral tones. A wave of tart red and black fruits saturates the senses. The 2019 tapers off dramatically long, leaving a bitter twang and a coating of fine tannins as hints of salted licorice and sage linger on and on. This is simply begging for the cellar; it’s full of potential. The Fratta is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. Drinking window: 2026-2035. Score – 94. (Eric Guido, vinous.com, Feb. 29, 2024)