Castello Banfi 1997 Excelus

Castello Banfi 1997 Excelus, Italy ($73), advances the argument that Tuscany is as useful as any territory in the world for cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

While sangiovese remains the backbone of Tuscan red wine, there is profound evidence that cabernet and merlot have a significant future in Tuscany.

Banfi`s Excelus, a Super Tuscan blend of 60 percent cabernet sauvignon and 40 percent merlot from its own Montalcino estates, has abundant virtues: intensity, excellent complexity and, most important in such a powerful wine, elegance on the palate.

Author: Robert Whitley