Super Tuscans—aka rich, mouthcoating Cabernet Sauvignon blends from Tuscany—were once all the rage, with labels like Sassicaia and Gaja commanding top-tier pricing due to high-profile converts like Robert Parker singing their praises. From 2005 to 2015, the demand for these plush and concentrated Cab-based wines went through the roof and the pricing quickly followed suit.
In the current era, however, where terroir is king and tradition more important than innovation, Super Tuscans have lost a bit of their spotlight. After more than a decade of desirability, Tuscan wine lovers have gravitated back to pure-bred Sangiovese wines made with an old school approach. Yet, if you’re a deal-hunting retailer like Mission, you know that finding an opportunity for a great bargain goes hand-in-hand with this scenario.
Because while indeed some Super Tuscan wines may have overextended their reach, a good number of them make wines truly worth seeking out and cellaring. One of those producers is the historic Castello di Bolgheri, a winemaking estate that dates back to the late 1700s. With parcels of high-quality Bordeaux varietals grown on vines well over 30 years of age, the hands-on attention to detail of the Castello di Bolgheri wines is well worth paying for. We just happen to have a nice little discount for you today!
Using a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Castello di Bolgheri takes what was a stellar vintage for the region and delivers just about everything you’d want from a $75 bottle of Bordeaux for a sub-$30 price tag. Deep, dark fruit flavor, minerality from the calcareous soil, tannins that melt in your mouth like butter, and complexity on the finish that keeps you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for a stellar bottle of Cabernet that doesn’t break the bank, look no further. Tuscany still has some serious tricks up its sleeve when it comes to Bordeaux blends.
2021 Castello di Bolgheri Varvara (Elsewhere $35+) $27.99
93 POINTS: WINE SPECTATOR - This red is all about balance and texture, creating an ideal foil for its black currant, black cherry, licorice, rosemary and iron aromas and flavors. Refined tannins lend grip on the lingering aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038.
92 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - This shows notes of spiced cherries, currant leaf, dark chocolate and bark. Medium- to full-bodied. This has a weighty core of dark berries with compact and fine tannins melted into the wine. Focused and lengthy. Better from 2025.