Sette Ponti Oreno 2008

Notes:

The estate of Sette Ponti lies in the heart of the Chianti zone, fifteen miles northwest of the city of Arezzo just past the village of San Giustino Valdarno. The Via del Monte, known locally as the Via dei Sette Ponti, leads into a beautiful hidden valley and to the estate. The name Sette Ponti, or "seven bridges," refers to the seven bridges crossing the Arno River on the road from Arezzo to Florence. The first, the Ponte Buriano, is nearby. Erected in the mid 13th century, it took nearly forty years to build, and is perceptible in the right far background of Leonardo DaVinci's Mona Lisa.

The Sette Ponti estate was purchased in 1957 as a hunting retreat by architect Alberto Moretti, and is now the family property of Antonio Moretti, his son. The vineyards occupy a total of 150 acres and lie at an altitude of 200 to 300 meters (600 to 900 feet). The oldest vines on the estate were planted in 1935 by HRH the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emmanuele di Savoia. This five-acre plot, called the Vigna dell' Impero (the "Vineyard of the Empire"), is a hand-terraced vineyard planted primarily to Sangiovese vines interspersed with traditional Canaiolo, Colorino, Trebbiano and Malvasia. An adjacent 87-acre section of this vineyard, also of principally Sangiovese vines, was planted in the early1960s by Alberto Moretti. The soils on which this vineyard lies are mostly galestro and limestone.

The flagship release for Tenuta Sette Ponti, the 2008 Oreno is absolutely gorgeous. Year after year, Bottle King is so fortunate to be able to offer these wines, which receive some of the highest acclaim from Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate and James Suckling. Perhaps the best vintage to date, the 2008 is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot giving the wine expansive and rich flavors of dark fruit and chocolate. Elegant and refined, the 2008 Oreno is definitely a six pack worthy of your cellar.

Reviews:

"The 2008 Oreno is stunningly beautiful. An open, expressive bouquet laced with mint, red berries, roses and spices emerges with superb clarity and balance. The tension between the minerality of the vintage and the rich expression of fruit that is one of the house’s hallmarks play off each other beautifully here. The finish is utterly exquisite in its beguiling beauty. The 2008 isn’t the most powerful Oreno ever made, but it is quite possibly the most elegant, impeccably refined wine I have ever tasted here. Simply put, it is fabulous juice! In 2008 the percentage of Sangiovese is way down and Oreno is predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, a decision that has paid off handsomely. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."  Wine Advocate 96 Points

"Structured and racy, showing blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors, with loads of currant. Full and tannic, yet polished and caressing, with an impressive and persistent finish. A marked change from some past vintages, with only Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot in the blend. Best after 2014." Wine Spectator 96 Points

"Aromas of blackberries and black licorice on the nose follow through to a full body, with round and ripe tannins that are chewy yet velvety. Lots of dried dark fruits on the finish. Almost raisiny but rich and impressive with balance. Big and powerful. Needs lots of bottle age. Better after 2015. Find the wine" James Suckling 96 Points