The 2020 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico shows ripe fruit and a greater oak presence with spice, tar, tobacco and smoked cedarwood. This full-bodied wine could almost be a Bolgheri Superiore, thanks to the depth, richness and importance of its flavor profile.

The 2018 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico comes from the middle of the estate portfolio. It offers good value and a little more heft and fruit concentration. This wine would enhance a plate of fried chicken or a grilled filet mignon, either way. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, all aged in oak for one year. The tannins are well managed and elegant. The wine hits the senses with bold cherry, cassis, spice and campfire ash. A full 120,000 bottles were rolled out.

The 2017 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico is a thickly concentrated wine that pours from the bottle with generous flavors of blackberry and plum that are woven together with spice, tobacco and campfire ash. You can feel the power and exuberance of the dark primary fruit in this warm vintage. However, it does not lack freshness and acidity, which are ultimately what brings the wine into balance. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot (aged in oak for 12 months). An ample 120,000 bottles were produced. Go to Villa Donoratico for great value.

Another 40/30/20/10 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2016 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico is a sophisticated wine that is full-bodied, with dark concentration and thickness. It has a nice fullness to it, with big, dark fruit. The Villa Donoratico plays its best cards in the mouth, as its texture is very rich and seductive. There is a touch of richness on the tannins, which still need to relax. You also get snap or crunchiness on close.