This vibrant powerhouse is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese that was aged nineteen months in one, two and three year old Allier oak. It is a strong, clear ruby red. At first there is a slight musk on the nose that is followed by pronounced aromas of red fruit, licorice, cedar and prunes with a hint of dark chocolate. In the mouth the prunes and red fruit persist with well integrated tannins, good acidity and pleasing length. There is wonderful depth of flavour and complexity here. Like all Máté wines, it should be decanted a couple of hours before serving a little below room temperature. It will go well with a wide range of foods, from roasted vegetables and grilled meats to medium cheeses.

Here’s what Bruce Sanderson of the ‘Wine Spectator’ (September 2011) has to say about it, “Though elegant, with floral, raspberry and wild berry aromas and flavors, this red has a firm, iron-clad structure. Perfume and fruit elements linger on the finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2012 through 2020. 350 cases made. 90/100

The Mátés have given us a special price on the 2008 Albatro which makes it less expensive than the first time we offered it. Order your terrific, tasty Tuscan now.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this big expressive wine spent twenty two months in one, two and three year old Allier oak. I love this wine. Like the 2007, it reminds me of a very good, top notch Napa Cab. A bright ruby colour, it offers up complex aromas of jammy red fruit, old saddle leather, cedar, macaroons and vanilla. Big, brawny and full of zesty fruit when first opened, it settles down and mellows out after a couple of hours in the decanter. But it remains complex, balanced, long and very, very pleasing. Candace Máté says that she prefers the 2008 to the 2007.  

Wine Enthusiast magazine: A lovely Cab from Montalcino, with bright berry aromas of blackberry and wild cherry backed by exotic spice, clove, sweet cinnamon and a touch of espresso bean. The wine is firm but smooth on the finish with loads of fruit intensity at the very end. 92/100

Order some of the nicest Cab around.

2007 Brunello di Montalcino – 14.5% Alc./Vol                  $59/$354 six-bottle case
This outstanding Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese that rested 30 months in two, three and four year old Allier oak. It then remained eighteen months in the bottle before release. It is a deep garnet-ruby colour with a nose that is packed with aromas of cherries, blackberries, spices, flowers and licorice. In the mouth it offers up a complexity of flavours including plums, cherries, wild berries, dark chocolate and tobacco that keep evolving in the glass. This full-bodied beauty is wonderfully balanced with bright acidity and silky tannins. And, the medley of flavours seems to linger forever.

James Suckling on jamessuckling.com, January 15, 2012 pronounced: Aromas of leather, dried citrus rind and berries, follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Lively acidity. Lots of dried citrus character, savory. Drink now or hold 93/100.

Wine Enthusiast magazine: A ripe fruit element that is perfectly contained and just short of seeming overdone or overtly jammy. It’s soft and round with loads of oak-driven spice, like cinnamon and ground clove, and plump tones of red cherry, blackberry and plum. What’s really nice here is the fresh density and overall supple texture. 94/100

Order your titanic Tuscan treat now.

The Máté Tuscan Sampler – 13.9%-15.0% Alc./Vol         $37/$222 six-bottle case
You get two bottles of the 2009 Rosso and one bottle each of the 2008 Albatro, 2007 Mantus Merlot, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Brunello di Montalcino. A sensational six-pack of tasty Tuscan treasures if ever there was one. Order your Tuscan treasure trove now.

Coming next from Arthur’s Cellar

While it might be seem like a long time till those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, we need to get your orders for our thirst-quenching Rosés on their way. And, what better way to start than with what arguably could be the finest Rosé from Provence – Domaine Gavoty? Theirs is a truly an up-scale Rosé that can be found in most of the finest establishments in France like Restaurant Taillevent and Le Jules Verne La Tour Eiffel in Paris, Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse in Monaco and La Messardière in Saint Tropez. They also produce a most delightful white that we will include in the offering.