Poggio al Tesoro 2020 Dedicato a Walter Cabernet Franc Bolgheri Superiore 750ml

Few wines have been reviewed as consistently well as Poggio al Tesoro’s Dedicato a Walter, which has earned scores of 93 to 97 from at least eleven major critics for the 2020 vintage. It is one of the rare 100% Cabernet Francs from Bolgheri, and indeed from Italy, “dedicated by Marilisa Allegrini to her brother Walter,” and “it has become the jewel in Poggio al Tesoro’s crown.” The Allegrini family, from Veneto’s Valpolicella, began Poggio al Tesoro in 2001, bringing their winemaking expertise to Tuscany’s Bolgheri coast.

The grapes come from the 3-hectare Via Bolgherese vineyard, in the area known as Soprastrada, east of the famous Strada Bolgherese and regarded as the highest-quality zone in Bolgheri. In its microclimate and stony soils, Cabernet Franc, generally used to give elegance to Bordeaux blends, “finds an ideal habitat in which to express itself in an absolutely independent and original fashion.” The 2020 was aged 20 months in French barriques and is unfiltered, at 15% ABV, with total acidity of 6.1 g/L, pH 3.47, and storage potential to 2045 and beyond.

James Suckling scored it 96: “A beautiful texture with superfine tannins that run the length of the wine. It is medium-bodied with nice length and a bright finish. Crisp and delicious with redcurrants and fresh herbs such as lemongrass.” Wine Enthusiast scored it 96 (December 2024): “The rich, almost adventurous profundity of the nose comes from aromas of sweet and tart blackberries, mulberries and currants, as well as decadently sweet notes of sugar plum, vanilla, toasted coconut and cedar, and then the savoriness of pepper and leather. The palate is full and luxurious with dark chocolate and more berries, but refined tannins reinforce that peppery, leathery backbone, and a rush of hot acid brings vivacity.” Wine Spectator (93) noted it as “powerful, with fine definition in the long aftertaste.” Veronelli, Luca Maroni, and Vinum each scored it 96, Falstaff 97, DoctorWine 95, Decanter, Wine Advocate, and Vinous 94 each, and WinesCritic’s Raffaele Vecchione 95 (as supplied).

The winery’s own description: “The bouquet unfolds in waves of beguiling complexity: black berries, cassis and dark cherries meld with spicy notes of black pepper and balsamic hints of eucalyptus. On the palate, Dedicato a Walter is a monument to the art of Tuscan winemaking: powerful yet silky and elegant, with velvety tannins that are never overpowering despite their imposing structure.” As one critic put it, it’s “an experiment with a promising grape that is more sensitive to the vintage than most,” and another found “a rich, heady wine that shows remarkable raciness in its dark red fruit.” A note for customers: it’s a big wine at 15% and oak influence divides some tasters, so decant for an hour or more. It’s a wine for steak, lamb, grilled meats with dark sauces, and aged cheeses, and one to cellar for decades.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Poggio al Tesoro 2020 Dedicato a Walter is produced by Poggio al Tesoro (the Allegrini family) in Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, from 100% Cabernet Franc grown in the 3-hectare Via Bolgherese vineyard in the Soprastrada zone, on stony soils, cultivated close to nature. Aged 20 months in French barriques, unfiltered. 15% ABV, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

James Suckling — 96 Points (July 2023):
“A beautiful texture with superfine tannins that run the length of the wine. It is medium-bodied with nice length and a bright finish. Crisp and delicious with redcurrants and fresh herbs such as lemongrass.”

Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points (December 2024):
“The rich, almost adventurous profundity of the nose comes from aromas of sweet and tart blackberries, mulberries and currants, as well as decadently sweet notes of sugar plum, vanilla, toasted coconut and cedar, and then the savoriness of pepper and leather. The palate is full and luxurious with dark chocolate and more berries, but refined tannins reinforce that peppery, leathery backbone, and a rush of hot acid brings vivacity.”

Falstaff — 97 Points · Veronelli — 96 · Luca Maroni — 96 · Vinum — 96 · Doctor Wine — 95

Wine Advocate — 94 · Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 94 · Decanter — 94 · Wine Spectator — 93:
“Powerful, with fine definition in the long aftertaste.” (Wine Spectator)

WinesCritic.com (Raffaele Vecchione) — 95 Points (as supplied)

Critic notes (publication not shown):
“The Bolgheri Superiore Dedicato a Walter 2020 is the estate’s pure Cabernet Franc. A rich, heady wine that shows remarkable raciness in its dark red fruit.” · “An experiment with a promising grape that is more sensitive to the vintage than most.”

Poggio al Tesoro (tasting notes):
“The bouquet unfolds in waves of beguiling complexity: black berries, cassis and dark cherries meld with spicy notes of black pepper and balsamic hints of eucalyptus. On the palate, Dedicato a Walter is a monument to the art of Tuscan winemaking: powerful yet silky and elegant, with velvety tannins that are never overpowering despite their imposing structure.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Blackberry, mulberry, currant, and cassis, with sugar plum, vanilla, toasted coconut, cedar, black pepper, leather, and eucalyptus.

Palate
Full, luxurious, and silky, with dark chocolate and berries, redcurrant, and fresh herbs, with refined tannin and vivid acidity.

Finish
Long and bright, with a peppery, leathery backbone and fine definition.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Grilled steak and lamb with dark sauces
• Braised beef and venison
• Rich Italian dishes
• Aged cheeses

Serving Note

Decant for an hour or more; serve at about 64-68°F (18-20°C).