2020 Petrolo - Galatrona - Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC

Decanter.com – 94 pts – JB: *The 10ha Galatrona vineyard is home to Merlot in clay-rich loam, marl and sandstone soils on the border with the Chianti hills. First produced in 1994, Galatrona has been certified organic since the 2016 vintage. Vinified in lined cement tanks with indigenous yeasts, the wine then spends around 18 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, one-third new, with regular batonnage. Violet and cocoa aromas introduce a very fresh, vibrant wine that's light on its feet and finely balanced, offering little at this early stage other than some subtle black and blue fruits, fragrant potpourri and incisive acidity. One for the cellar.* - 04/2023

Falstaff Magazin – 98 pts – OK, SS: *Funkelndes, intensives Rubin mit Violettschimmer. Sehr klare und einladende Nase, satt nach Heidelbeere und Brombeere, dazu feine Tabaknoten, etwas Kardamom. Saftig und mit viel frischer Frucht ausgestattet, zeigt geschliffenes Tannin, griffig, nach Brombeeren im Nachhall, zeigt im Finale einen feinen Gewürzteppich.* - 10/2022

The Wine Advocate – 96 pts – ML: *The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of organic Merlot and the estate's headline wine. It was first created in 1994 when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer heat that became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona shows terrific results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and thickly forested position almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that grows in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherry, toasted almond and dried mint fuel a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine boasts long-lasting flavors.* - 06/2022

WeinWisser – 18+/20pts – TB: *Der Galatrona von Petrolo ist ein vielfach gefeierter, reinsortiger Merlot. Er wird über 18 Monate in großen Holzfässern und Barriques mit 30 % neuem Holz ausgebaut. Dunkle, massive Farbe. Satt, konzentriert süß und breit, zeigt der Galatrona eine sehr schokoladige und füllige Nase mit viel Kraft und hoher Intensität bei limitierter Tiefe. Im Mund wirkt er dann erstaunlich schmelzig und charmant, eher schlank gehalten, mit viel Holz und leicht stumpfen Gerbstoffen in einer kraftvollen Struktur eingebettet. Viel Saft und Süße im Nachhall, gute Länge. 14 vol.-%.* - 07/2022

JancisRobinson.com – 16/20pts – TP: *Harvested 7–12 September. 100% Merlot. Chocolatey dark fruit with a hint of balsamic vinegar on the nose. Pulpy fruit and a hint of sweet cherry cola from wood spice bring ample sweetness. Seductive and ripe, there is a leaning towards confection. Plush and round, this is heady and full.* - 09/2022

JamesSuckling.com – 97 pts: *Subtle yet intense aromas of black fruit and violets. Extremely perfumed. Crushed stones. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a mouth-feel of velvet that goes on for minutes. Refined and fresh. Al-dente fruit. From organically grown grapes. Better in three to four years.* - 07/2022

Vinous.com – 98 pts – AG: *The 2020 Galatrona is stunning. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best vintages of the Galatrona I can remember tasting. I am especially impressed by its vertical intensity and explosive energy. All the elements are so impeccably woven together. Dark-toned fruit, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and spice build into the intense, palate-staining finish. The 2018 spent 18-20 months in French oak, about 25% new, with some larger barrels thrown into the mix. Magnificent.* - 08/2023