As always the Noi 4 is consistently classy, with ripe Cabernet, smooth Merlot, a touch of lift from the Cabernet and a nice bit of grip from the Petit Verdot, and perfectly judged oak that blends in beautifully. Aroma of cassis and dry herbs and spices; super smooth. Wonderful with roast and grilled meats, but also with lighter dinners and lunches, and just the sort of bottle that can be enjoyed now, or tucked away in the cellar for some years. A beautiful thing.

#Tasting#

Sette Cieli arrived on the Tuscan scene a few years after the boundary lines of the Bolgheri appellation had been drawn. At the time the boundary was set, no one thought someone would plant above the woods on the next hillside over from Sassicaia, but actually above Gaja’s Bolgheri property, Ca’ Marcanda. But they did. Originally intended as a place to breed horses and a family retreat. Wine-loving friends came to visit and pointed out Sassicaias original vineyard, under the castle, that you see when you look over your right shoulder, and then a bit to the left of that, the Masseto vineyard. So they started to plant vines in 2000, and since 2012, the young Ambrogio Cremona Ratti who inherited the domain has been at the helm. He brought in winemaker Elena Pozzolini who came back to the area after several years of international experience in Argentina and California, and they share some of the viticultural team of Ornellaia. As Matthew Jukes says “this estate is a superstar in the making.”