99 pts New release of the iconic Super Tuscan Luce Red, one of Italy's most sought-after wines. Limited. Intense ruby red in color, Luce 2020 stands out on the nose for its complexity and elegance, characterized by ripe black fruits, particularly blackberry and mulberry, which are joined by hints of cocoa and sweet spices. On the palate it is harmonious, lively, with excellent structure, balanced by vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins that give an elegant finish with great persistence. 97 Points James Suckling: "Very pretty orange peel with currants and blue berries. Flowers, too. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins that are polished and impressive. Fresh fruit at the end. Serious structure and brightness. Drink after 2026." 95 Points Wine Enthusiast: "The nose starts off wild and herbal, expanding into the scents of a classroom, full of pencils and erasers and new leather bags, with a whiff of vanilla-cherry cola. The spiced, densely fruity palate shifts to the indulgence of a slice of cake soaked in rum." Luce was the first wine created in Montalcino by blending Sangiovese and Merlot. Combining the roundedness and softness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese might seem a rather obvious idea, and yet it took the insight and collaboration of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi Families to launch this innovative project in the land of the world renown Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made strictly from Sangiovese.
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A delicate whiff of dusty dried violets gives way to cedary spice and crushed plums as the 2020 Luce slowly opens in the glass. This is soothingly round and supple with cooling acidity and a tinge of minerality up front. Tart red berry fruits swirl across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2020 displays fantastic depth and concentration, tapering off long and gently tannic as black raspberries pucker the cheeks. This is a very approachable vintage of Luce, yet the balance is spot on. Nicely done. (Eric Guido, Vinous, September 2024)
A delicate whiff of dusty dried violets gives way to cedary spice and crushed plums as the 2020 Luce slowly opens in the glass. This is soothingly round and supple with cooling acidity and a tinge of minerality up front. Tart red berry fruits swirl across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2020 displays fantastic depth and concentration, tapering off long and gently tannic as black raspberries pucker the cheeks. This is a very approachable vintage of Luce, yet the balance is spot on. Nicely done. (Eric Guido, Vinous, September 2024)
9.2Ken Z
Drank 10/6/23. Tasting event. Dark cherry, earth, floral nose. Black fruit with cherry, plum, tar, leather. Drying tannins, long finish, with nice balance. Give it some time to age. 2020 vintage 3/22/8/4/4 + 50 = 91 pts
Drank 10/6/23. Tasting event. Dark cherry, earth, floral nose. Black fruit with cherry, plum, tar, leather. Drying tannins, long finish, with nice balance. Give it some time to age. 2020 vintage 3/22/8/4/4 + 50 = 91 pts
9.1Eric Halim
On nose, its violets, fruits, leather. On palate its tannic, high acidity, strong merlot acidity, licorice, earthy. Its still very young wine, give it 2-3 hours of decant or overnight with the cork. Enjoy!
On nose, its violets, fruits, leather. On palate its tannic, high acidity, strong merlot acidity, licorice, earthy. Its still very young wine, give it 2-3 hours of decant or overnight with the cork. Enjoy!
9.1Nich Cossey
Ripe red fruit, earthy with light smoke. An impressive wine for the price.
Ripe red fruit, earthy with light smoke. An impressive wine for the price.
9.1WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.