San Felice Bell 'Aja Bolgheri Superiore (2017)

91 Wine Spectator The San Felice 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Bell'aja is quite oaky and spicy on first nose. It is a little hard to find the fruit at its core. I kept the wine in my glass for a few hours, and the smokiness did lift to unveil the standard hot-vintage delivery of plummy black fruit and blackberry preserves. There is softness and sweetness on the close, and the wine shows some of the tannic astringency that we saw across this vintage. It works with a plate of sliced dry sausage and cheese, but on its own, this wine is almost too much.

91 James Suckling Very fruity with a hint of jam, but it also has a solid core of tannins and spices. Full body, soft tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

90 Decanter Bell’Aja 2017 is the second harvest in Bolgheri by Agricola San Felice and Allianz group. It's a precise wine from which now on should be expected a bit more character, as done with wines from Chianti Classico and Montalcino. Buttery and vinous with a cola note, it is focussed on elegance, grace and finesse, with sweetness of oak and roundness of body. It's supported by refreshing acidity despite the warming 15% alcohol which appears on the finish. Drinking Window: 2020 - 2030