Do names like Tenuta San Guido & Tenuta dell’Ornellaia get your heart beating a little faster? What about Tenuta degli Dei?

Those who recognize the name know it’s rarely seen in the USA, and already skipped out of here to grab some. If you’re still in the dark, let’s quickly get you caught up on this Super Tuscan powerhouse.

For starters, the scores: 3 to be exact, all 93-94 points, and now check the price - for WAY under $40!? Can you find another Super Tuscan of this caliber for $34?? The answer is NO. You cannot.

We’re not the only ones who see clearly that this one can easily measure up to the top Super Tuscans that go for up to 10 TIMES what you’re paying here today. While Antonio Galloni’s Vinous has not yet reviewed this specific wine, for their 2017s in general they rave “This is a stellar set of wines from Tommaso Cavalli. Stylistically, the wines are rich and racy in feel, and yet I see a level of refinement that places these new releases in rarified company. To be sure, the top wines feature international grapes, but here they speak with a strong Tuscan accent.”

By the way, if you’ve been wondering why this wine is SO chic, yes, this is THAT fashion icon Cavalli, one of the most talked about Italian designers today. Here’s more on that side of Cavalli if that world intrigues you - now back to the wine…

What’s in our glasses is flamboyant and flashy for sure, yet with that unmistakable Tuscan feel of the countryside, where Arabian horses and classic Ferraris dwell side by side in the stately ‘farms.’ And where world famous olive oils, charcuterie and cheeses are only surpassed by the reputation of the wines. This is mostly a blend of Cabernets; 50% Sauvignon and 15% Franc, complemented by a healthy dose of Petit Verdot, adding structure and depth.

The nose has it all, big bold berries – check. Espresso and chocolate – check. Earth and herbs – check. A touch of exotic spice – check. Then comes the first sip. It’s so ethereally silky and lithe that a second sip followed by a “hmm” is inevitable to grasp the beauty here. Ultrafine tannins effortlessly waltz across a powerful finish showcasing both oomph and grace. How it can be done is beyond us. What you can pair this with is up to you, but we can hint at Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the tremendous Tuscan T-bone.

A fresh CellarTracker note sums it all up nicely; “drank so well I opened another bottle tonight after almost finishing one off last night. Haven’t done back-to-back same wines in a long time. Delicious.”

Get at least a few in your Locker for that same reason, we say get a case or more if you can justify it, who knows when, heck, IF we’ll see another Cab-based Super Tuscan in the low $30s ever again?! As Vinous said reviewing the Tuscan harvest, “don’t make the mistake of missing out on some of the magic that the 2017 vintage has created.”

94 Points – James Suckling

“Here is a red with a solid palate of red berries, crushed stone and fresh flowers. Full-bodied with beautifully crafted tannins that are soft and relaxed. The fruit character is complex with some fresh mushrooms and rose petals to the dark fruit. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but will be much better in two or three years. Drink after 2022.”

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The Tenuta degli Dei 2017 Cavalli sees a base of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and is a terrific dinner wine. It is polished and deep with some of the fruit nuances you can expect of this vintage. However, the overall effect is balanced and smooth with plenty of fruity power, weight and length. Drink 2021-2028.”

93 Points – Fallstaff

“Bright ruby colour. Complex nose with accentuated spicy notes, lots of cardamom, some liquorice, followed by black cherry and blackberry. A plethora of juicy fruit on the palate, fresh cherry and grippy tannins that appear somewhat brittle on the finish.”