In 2020 werd het groeiseizoen in Valdarno di Sopra gekenmerkt door gunstige weersomstandigheden: in de hoger gelegen gebieden waren de dagen warm en de nachten koel, en juist dit temperatuurverschil zorgde ervoor dat de Merlot-druif zijn kenmerkende jamachtige zoetheid niet ontwikkelde. Bij „Petrolò“ vond de oogst plaats toen de druiven rijp waren maar nog steeds hun frisheid hadden behouden, en het resultaat van deze inspanning komt tot uiting in de wijn. ‘Galatrona 2020’ bezit de rijkdom die je van deze Merlot mag verwachten, maar onthult ook rijke smaaknuances die meer doen denken aan de heuvelachtige regio’s van Toscane dan aan Pomerol. Dit is geen opzichtige jaargang, maar wel een zeer geconcentreerde.
Robert Parker (96)
The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of Merlot and the estate's headline wine. It was first created in 1994 when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer heat that became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona shows terrific results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and thickly forested position almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that grows in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherry, toasted almond and dried mint fuel a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine boasts long-lasting flavors.
James Suckling (97)
Subtle yet intense aromas of black fruit and violets. Extremely perfumed. Crushed stones. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a mouth-feel of velvet that goes on for minutes. Refined and fresh. Al-dente fruit.
Vinous (98)
The 2020 Galatrona is stunning. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best vintages of the Galatrona I can remember tasting. I am especially impressed by its vertical intensity and explosive energy. All the elements are so impeccably woven together. Dark-toned fruit, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and spice build into the intense, palate-staining finish. The 2018 spent 18-20 months in French oak, about 25% new, with some larger barrels thrown into the mix. Magnificent.
BOW (8.75)
Falstaff (98)
Bright, intense ruby with purple glints. Very clear and inviting nose, rich with blueberry and blackberry, plus fine tobacco notes, some cardamom. Juicy and endowed with plenty of fresh fruit, shows polished tannin, grippy, blackberries in the aftertaste, shows a fine layer of spice in the finish.
Wine Enthusiast (95)
Dark berries, chocolate mousse, dried herbs and a bit of chili pepper heat show on the nose of this wine. The palate remains chocolatey but herbal, with a dark-cherry-syrup finish contrasted by chalky, gritty tannins and lingering heat. An absolute indulgence in the best way.
