92
points
Petra 1999 Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Toscana)
-
$50
Robust, with meaty aromas of earth, leather and oak. Quite sweet and expressive, with pulsating dark fruit and zippy, racy acidity. Drinking this is like savoring the essence of liquid fruitcake; it’s that dense. Good now, but it should improve with a couple of years on its side.
— M.S.
(11/15/2003)
89
points
Petra 2004 Quercegobbe Merlot (Toscana)
-
$70
Meaty, thick and grainy in texture, Quercegobbe (“crooked oaks”) is a brawny, well-extracted Merlot that tastes more like a California Syrah. It’s an immediate and generous wine with thick layers of plump prune and plum, barbecue sauce, black peppercorn, molasses, maple syrup and spice.
— M.L.
(4/1/2008)