Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Valdisanti Toscana 2020
Toscana IGT, Tenuta San Giovanni, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Named in honor of Pier Luigi Tolaini’s mother, Valdisanti is Tolaini’s signature Super Tuscan from Tenuta San Giovanni—right at the southern edge of Chianti Classico. The 2020 vintage is crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit and features a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon / 50% Cabernet Franc blend. This pure Bordeaux-style combination underscores both structure and aromatic vibrancy, reflecting both modern winemaking finesse and Tuscan terroir.  

Aromas & Flavors
Dark and compelling on the nose—black cherry, ripe cassis, and tobacco merge with aromatic notes of Mediterranean herbs, graphite, and leather. Layered hints of licorice and espresso build toward a rich, spice-kissed finish.   

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm yet supple tannins and lively acidity. The wine is generous on the palate yet balanced, leading to a long finish that reveals depth and elegant austerity.   

Winemaking Notes
Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and optically sorted, then fermented on skins for 25 days in French oak vats. Aging continues for 16 months in French barriques, including 6 months on lees, drawing out both richness and aging potential.  

Food Pairing
Pairs brilliantly with Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino Toscano. Its structure also complements urban grills, roasted game, or hearty stews.

Verdict
Valdisanti 2020 is a refined Super Tuscan that marries Bordeaux balance with Tuscan character. With its 50/50 Cabernet blend and meticulous winemaking, this wine is both graceful and powerful—a true standout for collectors and dinner tables alike. It will cellar beautifully over the next 10–15 years. A la salute!! — 4 months ago

R Bl

9.1

Closed fruity/ mineral nose. Palate at first closed, even dilute; then stronger white fruit, good acid, sturdy minerals; improves after an hour. Then fruit (citrus/ stone fruit/ star fruit) and saline minerals; finishes with star fruit, a bit of oak, a hint of anise. Might expect more development in a few years. — 3 years ago

Joe Hakim

9.9

Absolutely wonderful. — 6 years ago

Linda smith

8.9

Nice smooth dry reserva wine. Slight Smokey finish Italy. Pignettis. Paired with cheese bacon tray enjoyed it better after it was able to breathe Zacch ordered a case Retail $29.99 — 7 years ago

with Elizabeth and Zacch

Justin

9.6

Peppery funk. Delicious. — 8 years ago

with Erin

Paul Barnes

9.3

Keeps getting better and better and better. — 9 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2017 (S) pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with pretty notes of mostly red, tart fruit: strawberry, raspberry, Montmorency cherry, licorice, dried green herbs, menthol, and rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and just a touch mousy but within the acceptable range. Refreshing and a lovely pairing with burgers on a warm Spring evening. Drink now through 2032. — 6 months ago

romo

9.3

Called Barbaresco. All the markers. Wonderful balance. — 9 months ago

David Walser

9.1

At La Gazzetta Italian restaurant for the second time. The first wine we tried here last time we didn’t like so we tried a different, more expensive one this time. Much better experience by spending a few more Euros…22.50€ on the wine list but the only charged us 18.50€ because we told them we didn’t like their 18.50€ wine. Nice gesture…one that will bring us back. — 3 years ago

Nurse Mike

9.0

Never had rosso de montepulciano, I never knew this was a different region then montepulciano. Wife picked this up and it is very good. I got an education from a Tuscan friend about the region I will keep an eye out for rosso de montepulciano wines. — 6 years ago

Mike Mayer

9.1

Another wonderful Merlot. Mountain wines are known for beautiful dark color, intense aromatics and full bodied flavors. This Howell Mountain wine does not disappoint. Beautiful ruby red color and great aromas of blue fruit, cedar and a little earthiness. The tannins on this young wine are very apparent but seem to integrate nicely with the intense flavors of blueberries and baking spices while in your mouth. I am sure this wine will improve with age but it drinks very well today. — 7 years ago

with Lisa

Philip Ginsberg

9.5

Some mineral but light. Super awesome. — 8 years ago

Michael Piaker

9.1

6 December 2016. The Four Horsemen, Brooklyn, NY. — 9 years ago

Chris MacLean

9.1

Consistent — 6 months ago

with Sarah

Donna Craig

9.1

Seamus brought 4-25, love it! — 8 months ago

Brendan Powell

9.1

Great value! Would buy again. From LCBO — 2 years ago

David Walser

9.1

€15.90 on the restaurant wine list. The wine list said it is a blend but the bottle only mentions Tempranillo. Pleasant enough to order again. Restaurant will be changing name/venue soon. Enjoyed our meals here overlooking the boardwalk & beach. — 3 years ago

Brian Boulden

9.3

Excellent rich full body wine. Fantastic wine to relax with and kick back in the evening. Big fan of Scott’s wines — 7 years ago

Gladys Xiques

9.4

Incredible. Holds up very well. Aged dark fruit. — 7 years ago

Kara Stockman

9.7

Deep red, slightly carbonated to the taste, smooth, very easy to drink on its own. great with pizza. — 9 years ago