San Leonardo IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2008

Tenuta San Leonardo is one of Italy’s most revered estates, located in Trentino in the Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, nestled in the Alpine foothills north of Lake Garda. The property has been owned by the Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga family for over three centuries, with its modern reputation established under Marchese Mario Guerrieri Gonzaga, who introduced Bordeaux varieties in the 1970s after training with leading producers including Sassicaia. The vineyards lie at around 150 to 200 metres above sea level on well-drained alluvial soils composed of gravel, sand and limestone, which contribute finesse, structure and aromatic precision. Farming follows sustainable principles, and the estate began its organic conversion in 2015, achieving full organic certification around 2018. Careful manual vineyard work and a strong focus on biodiversity complement these practices. The 2008 vintage was noted for its cooler, steady growing season and careful harvest timing, resulting in wines with ripe fruit concentration, fresh acidity and excellent ageing potential.

San Leonardo 2008 is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot, with each variety fermented and aged separately before blending. After spontaneous fermentation in concrete vats, the components were matured for 18-24 months in French oak barriques of varying age, followed by extended bottle ageing before release. In the glass the wine shows an intense ruby hue and a complex bouquet of dark cherry, cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, menthol and floral hints. The palate is elegant yet structured, with refined tannins, savoury depth and a long finish. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, braised beef, game and aged cheeses. Now approaching maturity, the 2008 is drinking wonderfully while still retaining potential to evolve further in bottle. It has garnered strong critical acclaim, including a 95-point score from James Suckling, who praised its “wonderful aromas of sweet tobacco, currant and chocolate powder with integrated, velvety tannins and a long, flavourful finish”.