Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana IGT Rosso 2015 | At under $20:  it doesn’t get any better than O’Lillo

In pure dollar-for-dollar, pound-for-pound terms, this under-$20 Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana IGT Rosso 2015 gives Sassicaia, Tignanello, Solaia, and Ornellaia a run for the money. At VinItaly two years ago, we had to elbow our way past a horde of importers and top sommeliers to taste Riccardo Baracchi’s Tignanello-inspired Bordeaux blend. With consistently high praise from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling.  While as bargain Super Tuscans go, it doesn’t get any better than this Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana IGT Rosso 2015.  It is the Super Tuscan bargain of the vintage.

More Great Red Blends

A classic Super Tuscan blend of equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah.   All drawn off the Baracchi family’s three properties in Gabbiano, San Martino, and Montanare. Brilliant purple. Plush yet high-toned aromas of black fruits, violets, graphite, and sweet spice, gently braced by new-wood cedar. Rich, bold, and polished on the attack.  In addition, featuring a gorgeous mix of black currants, black cherry liqueur and mountain blueberry.  Finishing with superb natural acidity and dusty tannin cut. Drink Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana IGT Rosso 2015 now-2022.

Stefano Chioccioli – 100 point winemaker!

So, lovers of fine Italian wines know that two factors combine to create excellence from The Boot: winemaking pedigree and location. While Chioccioli’s 100-point score from Robert Parker only adds to his burgeoning list of accomplishments.  And including more than 100 Tre Bicchieri “Three Glasses” awards — an astounding feat.

So add to that his pick of brilliant fruit from Tuscany.  And it’s no wonder that his O’lillo Super Tuscan is a critical darling. And with such winemaking prowess at hand, one might expect owner Riccardo Baracchi would have raised prices accordingly. But just as had been the case during the early days of the Super Tuscan craze, Riccardo remained a downside player. Here’s why:

The Vineyards:  the land of Sassicaia and Solaia

In 1971, the first vintage of Sassicaia debuted — a 1968 Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon drawn off a small vineyard in Bolgheri. That same year saw Piero Antinori craft his first “Tignanello.” Next came Solaia and then Ornellaia. By the early 1990s, these four “Super” Tuscan reds were among the most sought-after and expensive wines in Italy.  Enjoy the Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana IGT Rosso 2015, the fruit of their vision.