2020 Castellare di Castellina 'I Sodi di San Niccolò' Toscana IGT

POOF! All that Gandona is GONE, DONNA! (sorry couldn't hold that dad joke back...)

Yet, the day is young, so how about a LAST CALL / Double Agent / Second Pour on a wine with “an unquestionable reputation for consistency and excellence.” per Wine Advocate next?!

Castellare’s I Sodi did it once again. 97+ POINTS and more. When we got our initial allocation we had to go Deep Cover on it, after much begging, we sourced just enough to spread the wealth a bit more this time.

Still, though, Antonio must have been on a stingy day. How can he write “All the elements are in perfect balance. I can’t remember a Sodi like this one, a wine that is so complete and alluring right out of the gate... Magical. This is remarkable in every way.” but stuck at 97+?! C’mon man… this is the one you whip a 100 out for, we think so!

While the first vintage was 1977, this beacon of classicism has undergone quite a revival in popularity, with the quality of the wines consistently soaring to new heights. Per Vinous “Castellare is the crown jewel in Paolo Panerai's portfolio. Panerai and his long-time winemaker Alessandro Cellai, a disciple of Giacomo Tachis, make gorgeous wines at all of their estates, but Castellare has something more. And that something is a pedigree of terroirs that have proven over time to be among the most exceptional in Tuscany.”

And what does that yield?

Magic. Pure silk on the palate with a juicy core and subtly complex layers of the purest fruit with the classiest earthiness, interwoven into a texture of seamless luxury. We could fill an encyclopedia with the raving reviews, but for now included just five for your perusal. Yet they are meaningless with the very first sip, it’s a wine of utter sensuality that caresses your palate and your mind, it just won’t let go.

We long begged for an allocation and started getting some with the 2016 vintage, but every year, scores creep up, and quantities diminish. Think about it, only 800 cases imported for the entire US of A.

A true press darling, I Sodi has won numerous ‘perfection’ Tre Bicchieri accolades from Gambero Rosso and has appeared in Top-100 lists numerous times over the years. Here it is, in all its glory, and at an unbeatable price.

Too bad there are only a few bottles to offer as we drank some already, forgive us!

97+ Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous “The 2020 I Sodi di San Niccolò is fabulous. It is a rare wine that offers power, finesse, and translucent energy at once. All the elements are in perfect balance. I can’t remember a Sodi like this one, a wine that is so complete and alluring right out of the gate. Rose petal, lavender, spice, orange peel, and sage open first. What impresses me most about the 2020 is the finesse of its tannin, something I have very rarely seen in Sodi at this early stage. Magical. This is remarkable in every way. Drink 2028-2050.”

97 Points – Wine Spectator “Packed with ripe, juicy cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and floral aromas and flavors, this red is supple and beautifully integrated. Earth, iron and tobacco accents add detail as this winds down on the lazy, resonant aftertaste, showing terrific energy. Sangioveto and Malvasia Nera. 800 cases imported. Best from 2026 through 2043.”