Lucente 2023 is a red wine bottled as Toscana IGT, produced from grapes grown at the Luce della Vite vineyard in the Montalcino region. It is made by blending the Merlot variety with the Sangiovese variety. This wine is made from grapes harvested from the estate's younger vines, which are planted in a relatively cool, low-altitude plot; as a result, Lucente reaches its drinking window sooner than the higher-tier wines in the same series.
The 2023 growing season proved to be particularly challenging for Tuscan growers. Rain fell continuously from spring through early summer, followed by an outbreak of downy mildew, and hailstorms struck some Montalcino plots. Grape selection played a more critical role than in typical years. Merlot was harvested around the middle of September, and Sangiovese was harvested 3 to 4 weeks later. Both varieties were fermented separately using indigenous yeasts (wild yeasts naturally present on the fruit) and carefully pressed before blending.
The result is Lucente, a wine with nuances of blue and dark fruits, underpinned by hints of graphite and stone. With several years of aging in the bottle, the tannins will become more rounded. This wine is best enjoyed by 2032.
Robert Parker (91)
The Tenuta Luce 2023 Lucente, a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, offers a cheerful and immediately accessible expression with soft plum, blackcurrant and gentle sweet spice woven throughout. Medium- to full-bodied in weight, the wine shows supple tannins and a velvety mouthfeel, shaped by a warm vintage yet supported by enough freshness to keep it lively and food-friendly. Designed as the estate’s most approachable bottling, Lucente finishes on a short but refreshing note.
James Suckling (95)
A juicy and delicious wine with aromas of black cherries, walnuts, flint, graphite and matchsticks. Medium-bodied with creamy and refined tannins and a pretty finish. Inky aftertaste with some iodine. 60% merlot and 40% sangivoese. Drink or hold.
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Sangiovese and Merlot aged for 12 months in barriques.
Impenetrable dark crimson. Elegant oak notes over cool leafy cherry and raspberry notes with touches of dried laurel. Juicy elegant and between medium and light-bodied but with a notable long finish with chewy tannins and a balsamic oak note. Not really for cellaring, but why would you? It is in a pretty spot right now. Walter Speller
Vinous (91)
The 2023 Lucente wafts up with a seductive bouquet of crushed blueberries, cherries, complementary minty herbs and autumnal spice. This presents soft textures, vibrant acidity, sleek red berry fruits and a subtle citrus tinge toward the close. It’s gently tannic and long with lavender and licorice on the finish.
Falstaff (94)
Brilliant ruby red. A spicy, appealing bouquet with notes of blackcurrant and sweet cherries, along with hints of licorice, cocoa, and thyme. Flattering on the palate at first, then developing into bold tannins; very compact, with above-average length.
