Bibi Graetz
Testamatta Sangiovese
Tuscany, Italy
Have three of these and bought three more today at Costco for $39. So, I thought I’d Coravin one.
First taste from a glass a hour decanted, it is rather light on its feet and drinks easily for a young Italian. Bibi doesn’t push much new wood. I believe 1% new oak added per vintage.
If I remember correctly, Monica preferred the 21 and Bibi preferres the 20. I have both. So, we’ll see the difference. Bibi also prefers his ABV at 13%. This is 13.5. I prefer 12-13%.
It drinks closer to a Rosso than a 100% well toned Sangiovese.
It is round & rich. It lacks the punishing oak Italian reds are generally known. The fruits are elegant, ripe, dark, slightly sour cherries, blackberries, poached strawberries, orange peel, blueberry hues, some raisins, soft cedar, light, fresh tobacco leaf, under stated leather hardly used, sage, dry soils, dry rock powder, mid dark spices, red florals, red roses & violets, rainfall acidity, very well balanced/toned, mid structured with soft length and an elegant finish that lasts 60 seconds and lands on backing spices.
As good as it is tonight, better things will come in 2035+.
Have three of these and bought three more today at Costco for $39. So, I thought I’d Coravin one.
First taste from a glass a hour decanted, it is rather light on its feet and drinks easily for a young Italian. Bibi doesn’t push much new wood. I believe 1% new oak added per vintage.
If I remember correctly, Monica preferred the 21 and Bibi preferres the 20. I have both. So, we’ll see the difference. Bibi also prefers his ABV at 13%. This is 13.5. I prefer 12-13%.
It drinks closer to a Rosso than a 100% well toned Sangiovese.
It is round & rich. It lacks the punishing oak Italian reds are generally known. The fruits are elegant, ripe, dark, slightly sour cherries, blackberries, poached strawberries, orange peel, blueberry hues, some raisins, soft cedar, light, fresh tobacco leaf, under stated leather hardly used, sage, dry soils, dry rock powder, mid dark spices, red florals, red roses & violets, rainfall acidity, very well balanced/toned, mid structured with soft length and an elegant finish that lasts 60 seconds and lands on backing spices.
As good as it is tonight, better things will come in 2035+.
Finally got to try to see what the fuss was about and it really delivered. Beautiful color, gorgeous, glowing Rubi in the glass, took a sip when we first started, and then an hour later and then over the course of a meal and it definitely developed. Went from closed off to floral with beautiful notes of Violet and rose and a lot of cooked fruits with spices. A little more acid structure than I thought for most Tuscan wines, but still punched very well above its weight, granted I got this at a very big discount so if I paid retail, maybe I’d be singing a different song but for the price and for the flavors, it was worth it across the board. 
Finally got to try to see what the fuss was about and it really delivered. Beautiful color, gorgeous, glowing Rubi in the glass, took a sip when we first started, and then an hour later and then over the course of a meal and it definitely developed. Went from closed off to floral with beautiful notes of Violet and rose and a lot of cooked fruits with spices. A little more acid structure than I thought for most Tuscan wines, but still punched very well above its weight, granted I got this at a very big discount so if I paid retail, maybe I’d be singing a different song but for the price and for the flavors, it was worth it across the board. 
Aug 7th, 2026
Black cherry, raspberry, red currant, ripe tomato leaf, licorice, star anise, violet, rose, leather, cedar, clove… this wine is balanced !! And complex. And delicious.
Black cherry, raspberry, red currant, ripe tomato leaf, licorice, star anise, violet, rose, leather, cedar, clove… this wine is balanced !! And complex. And delicious.
Jan 20th, 2023
Earthy, red and black fruits- perfect with Korean bbq
Earthy, red and black fruits- perfect with Korean bbq
Dec 4th, 2022
Can’t say I was not a bit disappointed, but my expectations were so high. The nose was lovely on decant but the wine never got to the place I was hoping. Still very clearly a special wine and would like to try again.
Can’t say I was not a bit disappointed, but my expectations were so high. The nose was lovely on decant but the wine never got to the place I was hoping. Still very clearly a special wine and would like to try again.
Jun 18th, 2022
