2000 Testamatta
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Tasting notes
The first vintage of Testamatta, created by Bibi Graetz from 2ha of vines by his family estate near Florence. As elsewhere in Europe, the 2000 vintage had challenges during the growing season but ultimately delivered wines with power and substance. This remains dark ruby in colour at 22 years old, intense and structured with hints of tertiary character with dried roses, tobacco, fig and Girolle mustrhooms. Old school Super Tuscan in its swagger and shoulders, with great fruit quality, open and welcoming. Consultant Alberto Antonini.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
An impressively constructed blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opaque purple-colored 2000 is slow to uncoil from the glass, but once it does, it behaves like an out of control locomotive. The bouquet offers Bordeaux-like aromas of creme de cassis, graphite, and new oak. In the mouth, it is elegant and medium to full-bodied, with plenty of sweetness, outstanding purity, and a layered, long finish with well-integrated wood, acidity, and tannin. I believe this impressive effort marks the debut of this new super-Tuscan. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015. Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000
About the producer
Based just outside Florence, Bibi Graetz is something of a maverick in the Tuscan wine scene. Working with old vineyards of indigenous grapes around Chianti, he produces intense wines classified as IGT Toscana; not fitting neatly in either the Super Tuscan or Chianti camp.