Deep Cover: A book could be written on Case Basse’s Soldera.

WAIT… Somebody beat us to it!

In all seriousness, and for the lack of a better comparison, you’re looking at the DRC of Tuscany.

“In short, I have never tasted anything quite like it. Kudos to the fanatical proprietor!” wrote Robert Parker back in 2001 during a lucky visit.

We got allocated 6 bottles after buying hundreds of other cases from the importer. Those who are lucky enough to have some in their cellars out there did not blink at the $1,000 frontline retail price. Guess what, even with a wine like this we can brag about being the best price anywhere, but not making much on it and just sharing the wealth as a sign of our appreciation of your support.

Yes, YOU, Operative, are the CHOSEN ONE… < STRICTLY LIMITED TO 1 BOTTLE PER OPERATIVE > please.

Here it is, the one and only, the untouchable… and you’re welcome!

95 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Leave it to Gianfranco Soldera to create one of the top wines of this challenging vintage. The extreme heat and dry conditions of 2017 left most wines over-extracted, over-oaked, overly tannic or just dried out; however, Soldera’s 2017 Sangiovese is a model of grace and purity, with an energy that is seldom seen. Canopy management and selection were, of course, paramount. Yet, the decision to begin harvest on August 26th, the earliest ever at the estate, helped create this radiant beauty. While deceptively open, the bottle I tasted was followed over three days and seemed only to get better down to the final glass. The 2017 is a remarkably pretty yet kaleidoscopic style of Sangiovese, with a whimsical bouquet of fresh rose buds, stems and all, bright cherry with spicy underpinnings of clove, shavings of cedar and mentholated herbs. It hovers gracefully across the palate, lifted and ethereal, with tart red berries and exotic spices cascading across its chiseled acidic core. A contrast of sweet fruit and savory saltiness keeps you guessing with each passing second. The 2017 finishes with round tannins, utterly unaffected by the harsh conditions of the vintage. Violet-tinged wild berries and a caking minerality seem to encase yet crackle upon the senses. It’s difficult to understand how this complex beauty hails from such a warm and dry vintage. If anything, a more immediate character is encapsulated here, yet it’s still just as deep as collectors would expect. Due to the dry heat of the 2017 vintage, Gianfranco Soldera decided to begin harvest on August 26th, the earliest ever at the estate. Drink 2024-2037.”