In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 Tenuta San Leonardo, Vigneti delle Dolomiti / Trentino, Other Italy, Italy. Red italy - other reds in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (DE). Drinking window: 2026–2052. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
The history of Tenuta San Leonardo is intertwined with that of the more renowned San Guido estate. Indeed owner and aristocrat-oenologist Marchese Carolo Guerrieri Gonzaga was inspired to plant Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc at his family's ancient property by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, the revolutionary behind Sassicaia, whom they describe as their ‘oenological godfather’. Aided by the talented Giacomo Taschis, the original winemaker of Sassicaia & Solaia, they set about producing the first vintage of San Leonardo in 1982 and they've never looked back.
James Suckling (JS) — 98/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 2026-06-11
A complex style with a spicy nose, showing lots of toasty aromas, red and black currants, pure leather and a whiff of leaves typical of this wine. Medium-bodied, silky and soft with sleek, elegant tannins and midpalate weight. Brilliant integrated acidity tingles in the superpolished, amazingly long finish of licorice and dark fruit. Drink or hold. (Aldo Fiordelli)
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 17/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 2026-06-04 · Drink 2026-2040
Maturing shaded garnet. Fully ripe nose but very recognisably San Leonardo with a bone-dry finish. Long, fresh cool-climate Cabernet with beautiful balance. The antithesis of stereotypical Napa Cab. Jancis Robinson
Decanter (DEC) — 97/100 · Decanter.com, 2026-03-10 · Drink 2027-2052
Slightly riper on the nose than both 2019 and 2020, the 2021 San Leonardo shows notes of blackberry yoghurt, graphite-laced cassis and cedar mingling with signature bell pepper touches from the generous Carmenere component, and a refreshing balsamic lift. Powdery dark chocolate and undergrowth add further complexity as it breathes. The palate is more tightly wound than the aromatics suggest: brig…