2019 Giodo La Quinta Toscana 750 ml

Carlo Ferrini is an extraordinary winemaker. He’s made 100-point wines, been dubbed an “Italian Master” by Decanter, and won Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year award. His work with the top crust of clients—including Fonterutoli, Brancaia, and Talenti—has earned him a reputation on the level of Bordeaux’s world-famous Michel Rolland. 

Simply put, he’s one of the best in the world. And while his cult-level $180 Brunello has long been on our mind, after tasting his 96-point 2019 Giodo La Quinta Toscana, we were determined to bring it back to Wine Access members. 

Like the Brunello, La Quinta comes from the 25-acre property that Carlo purchased two decades ago. Like the Brunello, it’s made from 15 clones of Sangiovese that he selected for their high quality and low yields. Like the Brunello, it comes from vines that he farms to his meticulous standards: He even “green harvests” 40% of the fruit—drops it to the ground, in other words—which directs the plants’ scarce resources to only the finest bunches of Sangiovese.

One sip of the 2019 Giodo La Quinta and you’ll be shocked you’re not tasting a blossoming Brunello. Aged for a full year in oak casks, it displays a dusty and inviting ruby color as aromas of dark cherry jump out of the glass, accented by sandalwood spice, dried red roses, and tobacco. On the palate, a bounty of dark fruit is elevated by vibrant acidity and gracious tannins that give way to a long finish. 

It’s a gorgeous and pure expression of Sangiovese, and a golden opportunity to taste the work of a master without breaking the bank.