Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna 2017

Produced from 60% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, the 2017 Valadorna is rich and polished, with a luxurious influence of sweet, wooded spice. A ripe perfume of black plum, vanilla, leather, and cedar emerges with a warming and sunny feel. It is full-bodied, with ripe tannins, velveteen texture, and a blanket of fruit without feeling heavy. Dried currant, turned soil, and herbs of amaro all move through the palate, and it speaks to the warmth of the vintage. It will drink well now or over the next 15-20 years.

This is mellowing nicely, with plum and black cherry flavors fading while earth, mushroom, tobacco, spice and woodsy notes are emerging. Harmonious, ending with lingering savory accents. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030. 1,000 cases made, 960 cases imported.

A warm-vintage blend of 60% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Valadorna is exceptionally soft and velvety, in a most pleasurable way. Merlot is the star of the wine, and although there are doubts concerning its performance in a changing climate, this wine delivers the goods. You get it all: volume, depth and complexity. You also get a noticeable 15% alcohol content. Production is 12,350 bottles.