San Felice, Bolgheri Superiore DOC (Tuscany, Italy) “Bell’Aja” 2022 ($75)

Made predominantly from Merlot, this young wine is exceedingly inviting in aromatic terms, with plum and dark cherry fruit notes taking the lead ahead of subtle wood accents. The bouquet’s promise is quickly fulfilled by expressive fruit flavors that are focused and pure rather than overt—which is not quite the same as “open.” The fruit-based notes include both red and black tones, and gentle tannins provides just a little tug in the finish, which has the effect of “framing” the wines flavors more than shutting them down due to astringency. Oak influence is very moderate, so the wine’s general profile is based on nicely proportional components. I’ve been very impressed recently by San Felice wines made from different areas within Tuscany, and this bottling only serves to reinforce my positive impression.
93 Michael Franz