Today we are delighted to release Oreno by Sette Ponti from the stunning 2015 vintage. The 2015 vintage in Tuscany was a warm one, experiencing sunny skies, ample heat and wonderful cool nights, which helped the grapes retain balance. In short, the 2015 is set to follow in the line of truly great vintages, like the stunning 2010s. The quality is very high, winemakers are effusive about their wines and the critics are sure to follow. As yet, few critics have released their scores, although James Suckling has tasted a few in advance. One of these is Oreno, which has received its highest score ever, a staggering 97-98 points. This score surpasses the 2013 and the 2010, making it its finest ever vintage. It is priced today at £235 per case of six, which offers excellent value for a leading Super-Tuscan. Monica Larner from the Wine Advocate will release her scores in October. It is noteworthy that production is down in 2015 and demand will be high, once the fanfare begins. It is worth stocking up now on this marvellous year in Tuscany.
As a Super-Tuscan this wine punches well above its weight in terms of quality and is hugely appealing compared to its peers. Oreno is a Bordeaux Blend, assembled with 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It combines intensity and power with poise, structure and polish. It is matured in French oak barrels and aged in bottle for a year before release, aligning it with Sassicaia and Ornellaia in style and quality, but at a fraction of the price.
Tenuta Sette Ponti lies hidden in a valley in the Arezzo province of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, at the end of Via del Monte – known locally as Via dei Sette Ponti. The winery and road are named after the seven medieval bridges which cross the Arno river on the road from Arezzo to Florence, the same landscape used as the backdrop for the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, which features the Ponte Buriano.
Previously owned by the Princesses Margherita and Cristina Savoia d’Aosta, the central vineyards were bought by the architect Alberto Moretti in 1957 as a hunting retreat. Today, it is owned and operated by his son, Antonio Moretti, the luxury goods entrepreneur. The first vintage was produced in 1998 alongside a team of gifted oenologists, including Gilbert Bouvet and Dr. Benedetto d’Anna. Since this time, Sette Ponti has risen to be regarded amongst the highest echelon of Super Tuscans.
Oreno is the cantina’s flagship wine, named after a small river running through the Estate and has gained reputation as a cult wine by discerning consumers. The winner of a host of national and international awards, the Oreno has been included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 four times, reaching 5th place in 2003. Oreno 2015 is their finest ever, a must have for Tuscan wine lovers. It is a joy to drink now and it would be a superb addition to any cellar.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2015, 6×75 – £235 IB
97-98 points, James Suckling
Fantastic Oreno with a solid palate of ripe fruit and tannins that are in near perfect harmony. Full yet extremely balanced and polished. Wonderful depth and power though this always shows finesse.
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