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SummuS Sant' Antimo D.O.C. 2003 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1990 |
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"Castello Banfi's Summus is always outstanding - a marvelously crafted red with gorgeous aromas, lovely fruit and caressing tannins."
"Who would have thought that Brunello, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah could be blended together to make a masterpiece. Summus is fantastic - showing an impressive silky texture, and complex aromas and flavors."
“SummuS is Latin for ‘highest,’ and Castello Banfi SummuS is a wine worthy of the name. This Tuscan wine, a blend of 40 percent each of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Syrah, is a dark ruby color and has an aroma that recalls cassis, cherry and a shelf of spices. . .”
"Yummy" and three smiley faces were the scribbled notes on the list beside the name of this beautiful wine. The uniqueness of a well-made Super Tuscan is always a stand-out among other cabernet-style wines. This wine is a deep ruby color. The aromas are layered with complexity offering dark, rich berry fruits, spice and a hint of coffee. The full-bodied palate has a silky texture that tastes of dark cherry and spice.
"Two years in oak impart lovely spice bouquet to jammy berry and mint aromas. Flavors of black cherry pits, raisins and cassis combine with moderate tannins for a clean, sustained finish. All that, with moderate 12.7 percent alcohol, make this likeable and drinkable."
"...This big - but beautifully balanced wine - conveys a multitude of thick black fruit flavors, cherry-like acidity and engaging hints of cocoa or chocolate."
"...outstanding... Deep garnet with spice and wild berries on the nose, complex tannins. Worth cellaring for a short time to improve the smoothness." 91
"Young… yet already impressive. A blend of 40% Sangiovese - the same grape used in Brunello - 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. Already showing impressive aromas of plums, black currants, leather and toffee with a silky texture."
"Simply beautiful, this wine is a deep dark purple red, rich aromas of roasted coffee beans and dark fruit. On the palate, the medium body evokes wet earth and black fruit. Supple mouthfeel and long, lingering finish." 93
"Berry, jam, open oak and earth aromas come together after airing, and in the mouth there’s blackberry, dark plum and chocolate flavors. The finish is a bit reserved and toasty, and while the wine may not deliver the most complex secondary characteristics, it’s on the money and exceedingly likable. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah." 90
"Earthy aromas of black cherries, black currants, leather and spices. The fruits taste ripe on the palate. A blend of 40 percent Sangiovese, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Syrah. If drinking immediately, open an hour early."
"Ripe aromas of plum and blueberry. An extremely friendly quaff that echoes the bouquet with unctuous black fruit flavors that pick up notes of clove, coffee and oak along the way. Ripeness is the theme of this artful blend." 91
“This top-drawer wine from one of Italy's most renowned producers is a blend of Sangiovese (40 percent), Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Broad and concentrated berry flavors, good spice and packed with cherry and plum flavors with a sweet finish.”
“My favorite SummuS of all time, so far at least. Rich, cedary/piney aromas mingle perfectly with the black cherry, strawberry tastes. A mega-red of the first order.” Highest Recommendation * * * * *
“This wine has been consistently--and wrongly--overlooked by the wine press over the years. It routinely delivers the flavor impact and complexity that one hopes for when plunking down serious money for a "Super Tuscan" wine, yet requires notably less cash than most of its true counterparts. A blend of "Tuscan and International grape varieties," it shows lots of nice little nuances (smoke, toast, leather, spices and more) on a basic platform of dark berry and deep black cherry fruit. Ready to drink but sure to attain greater complexity in the next five years, this is an overachiever within its breed and a delicious, versatile wine by any standard.” 92
“Beautiful aromas of blackberry and cherry, with a hint of chocolate. Full-bodied, with an ultrarefined tannin structure and a long, caressing finish. A beauty indeed. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Best after 2006.” 91
“This super Tuscan wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and opens with a perfumed aroma of wonderful black cherry and plum fruit. The black fruit flavors finish with a touch of acidity in the finish for an elegant style wine. Match with leg of lamb.” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - OUTSTANDING (90-94)
“Deeply concentrated and jammy with extract, this Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah centers around dark tannins, their flavor of black trumpet mushroom blunting the fresh cassis tone of the fruit. Then the wine lightens in the end, a fragrant wisp of flowers where there was a potent mass of flavor. Age may extend the flavors, though it’s enjoyable now with a steak.” 89
"Medium-deep, brilliant, ruby color; bright, fresh, pure, ripe, black currant nose; nice, plump, plush, supple, juicy, black fruit and subtle-oak flavors; soft, silky finish." * * * *
“A bouquet of cassis, tobacco leaf, and dried flowers, followed by flavors of black currant, black cherry, and plums, with a mint and tobacco leaf accent.” 94
“Banfi’s estate blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is a super-concentrated red in 2000. It’s black in color and scent, a chunky black sweetness balanced by stony tannin. Pleasurable in its youth with a steak, age will bring more detail to the flavors.” 90
“Medium to full bodied with a spicy nose and dark-berry fruit, anise, and oak on the palate; firm tannins in the finish.” Veal or pork osso buco. Serve now, but will hold for some time.
“Deep black hue. Sweet blueberry scents with a defined earthiness. Friendly cherry fruit flavors with cedar and redwood accents. Dry, spicy finish shows a slight pungency.” 88
“For years, I’ve felt that SummuS was one of Italy’s ten best red wines and this satiny, fat and chunky edition proves my point. Loaded with black pepper, blackberry jam and black cherry smells and tastes, SummuS delights from start to finish. Lay it down for another 6 years, at least.” Highly Recommended * * * *
“Brilliant ruby red-violet hue. Black cherry, mace, myrtle, oak and thyme aromas. Medium-full with very good depth of fruit, this is a ripe and deeply flavored Tuscan red with modern flavors but a truly Tuscan body and finish. Tannins are polished and the acidity is quite lively. 3-6 Yrs from 2004-04-01.” Exceptional 90
". . . a beautiful blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah."
"This wine shows a deep ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, little transparency. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with good hints of plum jam, black cherry and blueberry followed by good aromas of blackberry, black currant, dried violet, cyclamen, licorice, tobacco, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla and hints of menthol. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with good flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. A well made wine. SummuS ages for 23 months in cask. Food match: Game, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese."
"Deep black almandine ruby with cherry ruby rim. The bouquet is very young, and frankly unsettled, with a terrific burst of bell pepper at first sniff that mingles with cherry fruit that has slight candied overtones—a wood-fruit interaction—and some unusual floral notes that are again indicative of youth. In short, a babe; with time more berry fruit emerges alongside the flowers, but the youthful character remains. On the palate it’s round and quite smooth, with full cherry and black currant fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that have slight bell pepper overtones, and lead into a clean finish that has berry fruit and some bell pepper, with hints of sweetness and pencil shavings that emerge as time goes on. It resembles the 2000 ExcelsuS in that it doesn’t display as much complexity or depth as its older siblings, and though this is in part a factor of youth, it may also be the vintage -- 2000 had extreme August temperatures that interfered with grape ripening, and this translates to less fruit in the wines. Banfi did a fine job extracting what there was, but there wasn’t as much as there was in the other vintages poured. In any case, it will drink quite nicely with grilled meats or lighter stews—veal, rather than venison. It needs another year to get its bearings, and will drink well for another 5-8."
5 Grappoli
"Plenty of currant, spice and cedar character, with a hint of flowers. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. A bit hard for the vintage, but should come around nicely. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2009. Tasted twice, with consistent notes." 89
"Dry, full-bodied , heavy tannin, high acidity. Drink in 2-12 years. Old world and new world come together to present one world of power and grace in this Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend." ****
"Luscious and bold, with a round, masculine bouquet of blackberry, bitter chocolate and a whiff of coconut. The palate sports perfect harmony; it’s full of cola, cherry, plum and espresso. The finish is tight and right on the money. Lovely stuff from a fine vintage; a wine made in the rich, sweet, modern style. The blend is Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah. " # 33 in Top 100 Wines
"Concentrated rich fruitcake nose with spicy bramble and dried, raisiny fruits. Smooth, concentrated ripe palate with crunchy tannins. 2-5 years." * * * * *
"The char and chocolate scents of oak start black, then red fruit pours in soft and gentle. There’s a plump, round texture to the fruit, and a firm, perfumed end. The fine balance and sophisticated presentation suit this to age, or to a thick-cut grilled pork chop this summer." 90
"Highly Recommended." 88
" A blend of 40% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. Bright ruby red with a touch of purple. Black cherry, mace and sweet oak aromas with a hint of tobacco. Medium-full with very good concentration. The tannins and acidity are balanced and there is a nice spiciness in the finish....it is balanced, rich and quite stylish. Best in 7-10 years." * * * *
"Fragrant, with plump red cherry and a hint of anise. Firm tannins and a long finish. Blend of 40 percent Sangiovese, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Syrah."
"SummuS is the latest effort of one of our favorite red wines. This vintage is 45 percent Brunello (a special clone of Sangiovese), 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Syrah. The wines spend a year in French oak barrels before being blended, then another two years in bottle before release. This has everything, full body from the Brunello, fruit and additional structure from the Cabernet and elegance, spice and another dimension of fruit from the Syrah. There are spices and leather, cherries and vanilla, pepper and great length in the palate. Elegant, front to back."
"... a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Sangiovese (Brunello) and 20% Syrah. A bouquet of smoky oak, black cherry and blackberry introduces smooth, open, forward flavors with lots of black and red cherry, red currant, cranberry and a hint of blueberry plus loads of tannin. The long, medium-broad finish adds some spice and pepper. Well structured and with good acidity, the wine needs at least three more years in the bottle to knock down the tannins and increase the richness." Very Good
"Here is a great wine that was made during a great vintage year. The color of SummuS is deep and the aroma strong, centering on blackberries, plums and cherries with licorice and black olives in the background... the wine displays the earthy sensation which is the hallmark of all fine Italian wines. The finish is long and reflects a broad spectrum of berry flavors with a suggestion of oak. The Castello Banfi 1999 SummuS is a regal wine and is a fine crossing of the traditional Italian grapes and the familiar classical varieties. We are positive that any and all who try this wine will love it, just as we do."
"A blend of 45 percent Brunello (that is to say Sangiovese), 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Syrah, this medium- to full-bodied wine offers layer after layer of deep, rich and elegant flavors and aromas. The wine is approachable now but will be far better in another year or so. Best drinking 2003-2008." 92
"Gorgeous aromas of blackberries, spices and licorice, with hints of meat. Full-bodied, with extremely refined tannins and a long, long finish. All in finesse and style." 92
“One sip of this big, fruity, spicy and delicious wine tells you that the world of simple Italian red is far away….Fruity, fresh and spicy, it goes best with grilled meats or homemade pasta with a boar or duck sauce.”
“It’s densely packed, with wafts of char, earth, lifted cedary oak, blueberry, red cherry and tobacco swirling about. The dusty cabernet tannins that run down the sides of the palate are instantly recognisable, and while they come dangerously close to swamping the finish there is ample sweet, slippery fruit on the mid-palate to provide relief from the unrelenting tannins. It’s a powerful muscular brew, but throw some food into the equation and it’s a whole new ball game: the tannins all of a sudden become subdued and the gorgeously textured fruit comes to the fore. Why am I not surprised?—it’s Italian after all.”
"Here's an interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Brunello di Montalcino and Syrah aged individually in small French oak barrels. Rich color, soft texture and ripe fruit flavors."
"This wine has exotic aromas of coffee, mocha, tobacco and leather, highlighting the softer scent of cherries. The flavors continue the theme, with black cherry and blackberry in front; mint, mocha and leather accents; and soft but evident tannins. This luxurious wine is a great statement about an underrated vintage. "
"Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah reach new heights in this supple super-Tuscan."
"Deep crimson hue. Floral scents of violets mingle with red cherry, cranberry, green oak, coffee and tobacco aromas. Tart flavors of wild cherry and cranberry possess a brambly edge and nuances of smoke and tar. Lingering close tinged with oak." 91
"...and, yes, it is well worth the price. This is an extraordinary blend of Brunello di Montalcino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes. Each wine is individually vinified and aged one year in French oak barrels, then blended to achieve a rare "dimension of taste." There are ripe fruit flavors, a bouquet of oak and spice and just about everything else you'd expect in a wine of this magnitude. Fabulous with cheese and fruit, the wine is equal to the heartiest pasta dish or heaviest stew."
"Brilliant ruby red. Cedar, black cherry, black spice aromas. A rich entry leads to a moderately full-bodied palate with forward fruit and a well-balanced finish that has elegant tannins and very good acidity." 88
"Ruby red, aroma of black cherry, cedar, black spice. Medium-full body with very good concentration. Elegant tannins and very good acidity in the finish." ****
"...a remarkable red wine...an impeccably crafted blend of Brunello, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This Tuscan wine has lovely ripe cherry, dark berry, plum, white pepper, spice and vanilla-oak flavors, a rich texture and a polished, lingering finish."
"...a powerful yet beautifully mellow package in which the proportion of grapes feels perfectly balanced, each expressing its variety while permeating the others. Enticing with plum, black currant and black cherry scents and flavors, SummuS '98 builds layers of spice, minerals, oak and tannin that reach down to a broad foresty, underbrushy foundation. It could age three to six years. Excellent."
"The question with SummuS is not whether it's a great wine, but how great? This Brunello, Cabernet, Syrah blend is consistently superb. The variations in quality and preference are generally due to the vintage. Because the latter half of the 1990s were so kind to southern Tuscany, the connoisseur has much to choose from. The '98 is another in the string of outstanding vintages of Summus from this exceptional stretch." 94
"Aromas of blackberries, licorice and cherries. Medium-bodied and well-integrated tannins and a medium, slightly austere finish. Tight and well-done. Needs time. Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah. Best after 2004." 90
"Impenetrable black cherry ruby with cherry ruby rim. The bouquet is slightly closed at first sniff, though it opens admirably with swishing to reveal black currants and red berry fruit with underbrush and some bell pepper underpinning, and also berry fruit jam that adds depth. By comparison with the 97 ExcelsuS it displays less raw power but greater finesse. On the palate it’s full and rich, with powerful cherry currant fruit that gains life from slight sour cherry overtones and is supported by smooth sweet tannins that leave a dusty trail over the tongue as they lead into a clean long finish that’s fairly tart, and has warm bell pepper overtones. It’s quite nice, a beautiful study of elegance in a year that could have given much more power had they so desired, but is also very much a food wine—the warmth, and the acidity are such that it begs something rich and tasty to balance it, for example a roast leg of lamb or a nice porterhouse cut. It’s ready, and though it will easily hold another decade, I might drink it sooner because its current freshness is quite nice." *** 91
". . . from what many consider the greatest vintage in Italy of the last century. The rich fruitedness of the Sangiovese is given a briary backbone by the Cabernet and a perfume from the Syrah that makes it a joy to drink with the finest beef or lamb."
"The bouquet already shows deep, concentrated fruit, cedar oak and subtle smoky, tarry overtones. Thickly textured, with deeply concentrated fruit, firm but ripe tannins and toffee like richness, it will continue to develop complexity for many years."
"...is an international wine. It takes the best of Tuscany and blends it with the best of France. The end result is a wine that is unmistakably Italian, with its lovely, dry black cherry flavours, rounded out by the sweeter fruitiness of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It can be perfectly described as an aristocratic international gentleman of Italian origin." ****
"This wine is terrific. We tasted it two years back and saw great promise. Who would have thought it would be so elegant already? This Brunello, Cabernet, Syrah blend is rich and delicious" ****3/4
"Opaque blackish-ruby hue. Brooding lead pencil and black fruit aromas show a pure Cabernet influence. A firm entry leads to a ripe, moderately full-bodied palate with big, velvety tannins and integrated oak. A lovely, balanced wine with good cut and length." 93
"...made from nearly equal amounts of Brunello and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with a good dose of Syrah for spice. The aromas are blackberry, cedar and licorice, followed by rich, velvety textures and flavors of blackberry and black cherry, a nice spicy spin and a hint of anise."
"...a stunningly perfumed wine of fruit and spice, with a velvet-like texture on the palate. This is a wine that is irresistable in its youthful pleasure but agreeable for a decade or more."
"A rich, dense berry bouquet of cassis, plum, raspberry, coffee, and chocolate precedes the big palate which carries lovely fruit from the nose before a very long and broad finish with fruit over ripe tannin and oak. The wine has great balance and integration and depth with layers of ripe flavors and great structure all hung on a backbone of zippy acidity."
"A complex yet elegant Italian Tuscan made from Brunello, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. A well-balanced, silky, supple wine showing fruit and vanilla with an excellent finish." Very highly recommended
"Subtle nose of light smoke, berry, mint, vanilla and some herb notes. Up front and juicy raspberry flavors on the palate. The tannins are well integrated."
"It's worth mentioning that SummuS was awarded a gold medal this June in the Nova Scotia, Canada, Port of Wines Wine Festival Competition. No wonder - this blend of Brunello di Montalcino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is marvelous. Our reviewers agreed that the aroma was "intoxicating," with notes of cheese and leather. The taste was likened to sweet grapes, peppercorn, currants, and oak. All loved it..." **** Highly Recommended
"Rich and deep with loads of black-fruit and spice character. General Qualities: medium-full bodied, very complex, dry, medium acidity, medium oak, medium tannins. Color: dark ruby. Aromas: black currant, currant, fresh herbs, spicy. Flavors: black currant, chocolate, clove, currant, fresh herbs, spicy. Other Descriptors: concentrated, extracted, fresh, opulent, round, spicy." ****
"Good dark color, lovely open jasmine nose with coffee iron, earth, and pencil shavings. Fine richness and weight. A very fine 1996 and a great SummuS." 91
Silver Medal
"Aromas of mature black fruit with a spicy topnote, undertones of game and leather. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated black fruit and spice; luscious, long finish. Approachable now, but should improve with age."
"Dark, black cherry hue. Charred dark fruit and earth aromas. Very concentrated and rich on the attack, with a full-bodied palate that is chewy and quite thick. Drying tannins mark the finish. Best in a few years' time." 90
"Intense aromas of berry, mint, dried herb and currant. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a lovely vanilla, berry and cherry aftertaste." 88
"Also stood out among the luxury wines... this is complex, rich, full-bodied, and smoky, with a warm softness that lasts right up until the Cabernet comes through to add an unexpected solidity in the finish."
"A blockbuster red wine from Italy - the best Summus I've ever tasted." 93
"Deep brilliant ruby hue. Reserved mineral and black fruit aromas. A rich entry leads to a supple, moderately full-bodied palate with velvety tannins. Rather shy at present, but well-balanced with lots of stuffing. Should open with time." 90
"Lovely aromas of vanilla, ripe fruit, blackberry and currant. Well balanced, full-bodied and silky, with mostly soft tannins, and ripe blackberry fruit; persistent and elegant finish."
"Gorgeous to smell...and just as good on the palate. Very velvety, with lovely fruit flavors and a long, caressing finish."
"Summus falls clearly into the style of Banfi's masterful winemaker, Ezio Rivella. ...Its smooth, round, soft tannins and full fruit defy the more conventionally severe Sangioveses from Montalcino" 91
"Deep blackish-garnet cast. Moderately full-bodied. Balanced acidity. Moderately extracted. Moderately oaked. Mildly tannic. Cedar, cassis, minerals. Pleasantly aromatic, with a flavorful mouthfeel. Soft on the entry, with some mild astringency through the lengthy finish." 91
"Elegant and attention grabbing."
"A very effective, intense, deep, finely tuned red."
"Good ripe flavors ..." 90
"One of the best Italian red wines that combines the traditional Tuscan varieties - particularly Sangiovese - with French grapes such as Cabernet and Syrah. The result is a lush, plummy red wine with velvety texture and a lovely finish."
"an intriguing blend..."
"Black cherry ruby with brick overtones and brick in the rim. The bouquet is powerful, with tart berry fruit that mingles with stewed bell peppers and pleasing berry fruit jam that gives depth, as does the underbrush present. Quite a bit going on. On the palate it’s full, and quite rich, with powerful cherry and black currant fruit supported by deft acidity that’s surprising in a wine this old but also perfectly integrated, and by clean sweet tannins that have a slight burr, and flow into a clean peppery (the vegetable) fruit finish that extends at length. Quite nice, and will work very well with grilled meats, especially a steak, and also with stews, including richer fare such as venison or wild boar." **
"Captivating to taste" 90
"Very accessible and well balanced with good integration and a great silkiness on the palate." 92
"Leather and fruit aromas, elegantly put together in a lush texture."
"This elegant wine has an intense ruby-red color with violet reflections." 90
"A Masterpiece" 92
"This is, unquestionably, an exceptional wine." 93
"A chocolate-layered, cedary blockbuster, full of complexity."
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