 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cum Laude Sant' Antimo D.O.C. 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
"Excellent! The wine lives up to its distinguished name."
“With terrific compression of flavor, Cum Laude spills forth blackberry, dark cherry and plum fruit with undertones of green olive, licorice and leather. It’s bold and assertive on your palate, the way you want this year’s graduates to go boldly forth and make their mark upon the world.”
Toast the graduate. An especially fine way to do that is with the 2003 Castello Banfi Cum Laude, an aptly named Tuscan red. The honors are for the Sant'Antimo blend's smooth style, soft tannins and ripe berry fruit. This is a balanced, satisfying, versatile union of Cabernet Sauvignon, clonal Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah.
"This is the smoothest, most harmonious Cum Laude I have tasted. The blend of grapes seems to have allowed each variety some of its own expressiveness while subsuming personality into a coherent whole. The year’s bizarre weather conditions – severe spring frosts followed by a summer heat wave that threw Europe into turmoil – reflect no adversity here; the wine is large-framed, suave, elegant, vibrant, resonant, finely detailed, absolutely delicious with black fruit flavors – and it smells like a goddess’s fruit and flower basket. Now through 2009 to 2012 or ‘13." Excellent
A Super Tuscan blend of 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot, 25 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Syrah; aromatic and intense flavors of ripe berries and a hint of licorice. Definitely age-worthy, too.
"One of my favorite wines in the Banfi portfolio; A cuvee of 25% Brunello, (one of the winery’s Sangiovese clones) 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 15% Syrah - aged for 14 months in French oak. Very colorful, almost black, the nose is leather and mocha. Very soft and silky on the palate. The tannins are firm but well woven into a full body, much like an exquisitely tailored suit made from high quality material in a stylish design. A very serious and delicious wine." * * * ½
“Multi-textured and full bodied with dense, concentrated blueberry, blackberry, lead pencil, red fruit, and hints of earth and black pepper. Excellent concentration and balance; long finish. Profound. Porterhouse, filet mignon, loin of venison.” Can serve now, but will improve with age. Sante Gold Star
“Aromas of blackberries, licorice and hints of fresh herbs. Medium-bodied. . .Drink now.” 86
“Very well oaked. Much fruit concentration. Well structured and fleshy. Multi–layered, spicy. Long finish with some bitterness.” Bronze Medal 2005 World Wine Awards
“Warm aromas of stewed plum, smoke and tobacco. Gritty flavors of blackberry, earth and coffee grounds. Tight, youthful finish.” 90
“. . .a real steak wine; thick, dark fruit flavors; peppery, powerful tannins; smooth finish.”
“Aromas of coffee, black cherry, chocolate and blackberry introduce tart flavors of the same laced with lots of tannin. Everything finishes long and somewhat narrow. This wine needs several more years in the bottle to develop weight and richness and show at its best.”
“This blended red is very dense and spicy, showing black fruit and pepper. Although OK to drink now, I’ll let my bottles rest till the winter at least. This should cellar well. I think it will really come into its own in three years and last for 10 more.”
“. . .a super Tuscan wine of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese grapes that offers magnificent flavors of ripe black fruits with soft tannins.”
“This seamless blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (30 percent), Merlot (30 percent), Sangiovese (25 percent) and Syrah (15 percent) is a breathtakingly generous, world-class super-Tuscan that competes with rivals that cost $75. Smells and tastes like black cherries, black plums and clove. Irresistibly luscious.” * * * *
“Very dark purple. Bramble jelly scents. Sweet jammy fruits. Warm and inviting. Tannins on its sleeve. Extracted, juicy monster – a very serious and four-square wine. 2-5 years.” * * *
"Best ever of the Cum Laude releases, this medium- to full-bodied wine shows generous but soft and well-integrating tannins and a gentle layer of smoky oak, those well balanced by black cherry, wild berries and spices (look for anise, cloves and white pepper). On the moderately-long finish an appealing introduction of red currants. Approachable but best 2005-2010. (Tasted twice with similar notes.)" 90
"Deep ruby color; ripe, fruit-basket nose (black fruits, peach, etc.); ripe, pure, well-focused, black fruit flavors; round, elegant, Margaux-like finish." * * * *
“Currants and berries, with hints of mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins. Long finish. Shows class. Best after 2005.” 90
“It’s a masterful wine, with immense juicy fruit flavors and dense rich tannins.”
“This artful blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah is a steal as “Super Tuscans” go. It’s modern, deep and fresh, but still has plenty of distinct Tuscan Character with a deep center of black cherry and boysenberry fruit, vanilla, pepper, anise, mineral and dried rose notes that make it immediately lovable and a great candidate for cellaring.” * * * *
“The 2000 vintage is only the second for this super Tuscan wine with its varietal combination of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and Sangiovese fruit. This deep-colored wine opens with magnificent aromas of cassis, blackberry and spice. The ripe black fruits carry through on the palate with a mellow finish from soft tannins. Match with grilled flank steak.” Highly Recommended – Outstanding 90 - 94
"Medium to full bodied with black cherry, leather, earth, spice and balanced tannins. Lamb shanks. Serve now, but will hold for some time."
"TREAT YOURSELF Scrumptious, bountiful, jammy dark fruits, full-bodied, a contemporary style with complex layers of smoke, leather and fresh spice, silky tannins; persistent finish."
"Bright berry, mineral and cherry aromas, with hints of currant. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a long, caressing finish. Tight now. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best after 2006." 88
"Highly Recommended." 86
"A blend of 25% Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso), 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 15% Syrah. Brilliant ruby red-violet with an aroma of black cherry, licorice, mint and oak. The finish offers ripe black fruit, refined tannins and moderate acidity. Drink over the next 3-5 years." * * *
"Juicy cherry, with notes of vanilla and spice. Medium weight and tannins. Showing very nicely. Blend of 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot, 25 percent Sangiovese and 15 percent Syrah."
"If you are not familiar with the Latin names SummuS (“the highest”) and ExcelsuS (“eminent”) you certainly will know that Cum Laude means “with honors.” Banfi Cum Laude 2000 is 30 percent each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, 25 percent Brunello and 15 percent Syrah. Like its siblings, it is huge. One finds blackberry jam, cherry and chocolate with pepper in this young, frisky red."
"...translates as 'with honors.' This is a wine with a deep, intense ruby red color and a host of fruit aromas. Blackberries, plum jam and maraschino cherries and hints of pepper, chocolate and tobacco command the aroma. These fruit aromas carry over to the flavor where they merge with sweet oak. Needless to say that this is an outstanding wine..."
"A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah from Banfi's distinguished vineyards around Montalcino. Cum Laude has become my favorite of Banfi's Super Tuscan blends and sells for half the price of comparable regional wines. Deeply colored and brawny, but blended with grace, sweet tobacco, cedar, dust, dried flower, grilled meat, chocolate and smoke notes over dense cherry and blackberry fruit." ****
"This mack daddy of Italian wines, a Super Tuscan, is a yummy blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Lush, ripe berries are tinged with tender earthiness and spicy, mild tannins. Great value...."
"...a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah and Merlot which spent 10 months in oak. Ripe, rich, forward aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, black raspberry and a touch of oak continue as bright, forward flavors with the addition of some pepper. The finish is medium-broad and medium-long. The wine has good balance, structure and depth and is medium bodied."
"This dark, cherry-colored wine had complex aromas of eucalyptus, smoke and leather, with a background of enjoyable dark berry fruit. The panel enjoyed copious amounts of red and blackberry fruit with well-balanced acidity and full, round tannins. It should age well. This full-bodied wine finished with great length and flavors of dried fruit and tobacco. Food Friendliness: It has the capacity to take on nearly any food. Think of venison, lamb chops off the grill or seared duck in a rich sauce." 90
"The super-Tuscan model blends the best traits of the local Brunello grape with Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah. Try it and see what's behind the super, namely, gorgeous texture, rich dark fruit, and a spicy scent."
"Purple-black hue. Intense aromas of plum and blueberry have a rich earth, smoke, black pepper and leathery aspect. Big, chewy mouth-feel shows lots of blackberry, plum and cherry flavors with smoky roasted meat, dried tobacco and oak hints. Long close shows youthful tannins in need of time." 91
"Well-crafted red, with aromas of spice, meat and tar that turn to fresh fruit. Medium-bodied, with clean and fresh fruit, firm tannins and a crisp finish." 87
"...goes full bore on the red fruit and oak, with spicy berry aromas and cherry flavors..." 87
"Brilliant ruby red-violet hue. Black cherry, oak, plum aromas. A rich entry leads to a full-bodied palate with impressive concentration of ripe, forward fruit and a big finish with persistent fruit, balanced tannins and fine acidity. Sort of a baby Brunello - a nice introduction to this style and attractively priced." 90
"Bright purple, ripe black cherry, plum, sweet oak aromas. Medium-full to body with excellent concentration of delicious black cherry fruit on the palate. Big finish with youthful, but balanced tannins. Best in 7-10 years. This is Banfi's attempt at producing a "baby Brunello" and the winemaking team has succeeded brilliantly!" *****
"Unlike Banfi's other two 'super' Tuscans that are produced from single vineyards and only in the best years, the new Cum Laude cuvee is made from vineyards typically used for Banfi's 100 percent varietal wines. The blend is Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. It's a beautiful wine of uncommon power, elegance and complexity." 91
"A deep, dark blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah with very pretty black raspberry, cherry, rose and dusty earth aromas that is balanced, tangy and dusty in the mouth and should open up like a flower over the next few years. The combination of such diverse grapes seems to give it a less-flashy personality, but this wine has a distinct Montalcino earthiness and minerality that makes it a great example of wine from this region." ***+
"...a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. It displays a striking inky purple color and a stupendous bouquet of minerals, smoldering potpourri, raspberry tea, cedar, pencil box and crushed walnuts; the roasted, fleshy flavors tend toward black cherry and cassis, while polished grainy tannins provide firm and slightly austere support. Tremendous potential in four to six years. An excellent debut."
"Here is an affordable Super Tuscan ready to drink. Big and sensuous. Dense and tannic while remaining round and supple. Unfiltered so it is quite deep in color. The nose is complex with black berry, cherry and hinting of aromatic pipe tobacco and chocolate. Ready to drink or can be cellared for a couple of years. Very highly recommended and, while available, supplies will be somewhat limited. Buy it early."
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||