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ExcelsuS

Toscana IGT

Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

Varieties
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Trellising System
spurred cordon
Fermentation

in temperature-controlled (24-30°C) hybrid French oak and stainless-steel tanks Horizon

Aging

In 350 l French oak barriques for 18 months

Years / Technical sheets / Awards

First Year

1993

  • 2020

    TECHNICAL SHEET

    THE 2020 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    The growing season started about ten days early after a mild winter. Spring rains slowed the vegetative cycles of our vineyards. From the second decade of June, a gradual rise in temperatures affected the entire southern part of Tuscany until the end of July. In August, high temperatures significantly brought forward the harvest time for the earliest varieties such as Merlot, but good temperature fluctuations and the absence of rain allowed the grapes to reach in completion of phenolic ripening while preserving acidity and aromas.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in French oak barriques (350 l.) for about 18 – 24 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

  • 2019

    THE 2019 VINTAGE

    Expression of the meeting between the Sangiovese, an emblematic vine of Montalcino and the peculiarities of the international vines implanted in this area.

    TASTING NOTES

    The growing season of the 2019 vintage was characterized by an extraordinary cold in the months of April and May which delayed the vegetative development, which was subsequently recovered, thanks to a hot and dry period. The sunny months of August and September allowed optimal grapes ripening. 2019 is a harvest characterized by a high quality and intense territorial personality that gave us very structured and flavored wines.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in French oak barriques (350 l.) for about 18 – 24 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 94

    FALSTAFF 92

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2018

    THE 2018 VINTAGE

    Expression of the meeting between the Sangiovese, an emblematic vine of Montalcino and the peculiarities of the international vines implanted in this area.

    TASTING NOTES

    The winter was rich in rainfall with little snow. The vegetative recovery phase took place during the usual times, with budding that developed in the second half of April. In May, copious rain favored the vegetative development. The summer of 2018 was particularly humid and characterized by frequent precipitations, often in form of storms. September and October, on the other hand, were sunny months, with temperatures higher than the seasonal average and good temperature ranges.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 15

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in French oak barriques (350 l.) for about 18 – 24 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    WOW Gold

    ROBERTPARKER.COM 93

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 95

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2017

    THE 2017 VINTAGE

    Expression of the meeting between the Sangiovese, an emblematic vine of Montalcino and the peculiarities of the international vines implanted in this area.

    TASTING NOTES

    2017 vintage was characterized by a particularly dry and hot summer, which favored the early ripening of the grapes. The absence of rains during September favored the harvest operations.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 15,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in French oak barriques (350 l.) for about 18 – 24 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 93

    WINESCRITIC 92

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2016

    THE 2016 VINTAGE

    Expression of the meeting between the Sangiovese, an emblematic vine of Montalcino and the peculiarities of the international vines implanted in this area.

    TASTING NOTES

    The mild winter and the summer characterized by excellent temperature excursions between day and night, favored the excellent ripeness and quality of the grapes. Thanks to these conditions the wines are balanced and complex.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in 350-litre French oak barriques for 18 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    ROBERTPARKER.COM 94

    THE WINE HUNTER Gold

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 93

    WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 - TOP 100 Cellar Selections 2020

    THE WINE HUNTER Gold

    WINESCRITIC 94

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2015

    THE 2015 VINTAGE

    Expression of the meeting between the Sangiovese, an emblematic vine of Montalcino and the peculiarities of the international vines implanted in this area.

    TASTING NOTES

    The mild winter and the summer characterized by excellent temperature excursions between day and night, favored the excellent ripeness and quality of the grapes. Thanks to these conditions the wines are balanced and complex.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in French oak barriques (350 l.) for 18 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    ROBERT WHITLEY 100

    WINE SPECTATOR 94

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM  94

    GILBERT & GAILLARD 93

    THE DRINKS BUSINESS The Tuscan Masters

    WINESCRITIC 93

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2014

    THE 2014 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    A technically complex year, in which frequent annual rainfall and low summer temperatures required the utmost attention throughout all the production process. However, thanks to a September characterized by warmer temperatures, grapes ripening has been reached and the harvest has been done without any big problems.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Aging in French oak barriques (350 l.) for 18 months

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 91

    WINE SPECTATOR 90

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2012

    THE 2012 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    The growing cycle began in the usual time frame, with dry weather in April and May. Cooler temperatures and a lack of rainfall marked June. Summer saw a return to regular average temperatures in July through mid-August, when a sudden heat wave raised temperatures over 40°C (104°F) through the end of the month. A sun-drenched September, with normal average temperatures, allowed for a good harvest.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    DOCTORWINE 93

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 92

    WINEMAKER CHALLENGE Platinum - wine of the year, best of show - red - 97

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2011

    THE 2011 VINTAGE

    The growing season began with a slight delay, and spring was characterised by very rainy Mays and Junes; June temperatures were very cool and well below seasonal averages; from the beginning of July temperatures began to rise until they became sweltering in the second week of the month; August saw temperatures drop again and the nights were very cool, which greatly benefited the quality of the grapes, both in terms of aromas and the retention of organic acids. From mid-August throughout September and October, rainfall was very scarce, facilitating harvesting operations.

    TASTING NOTES

    The colour is a very intense red. The aroma is complex, rich in small berries, such as cassis, cherry and raspberries, with notes of spice, liquorice and tobacco. The structure is imposing, with soft and silky tannins that support it magnificently. The finish is sweet and very long. It lends itself perfectly to a long ageing.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 15%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    SAN DIEGO WINE AWARDS  96 - Platinum - Best in class

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2010

    TECHNICAL SHEET

    THE 2010 VINTAGE

    The growing season started slightly late, followed by abundant rain in May and June. Temperatures in June were cool and well below seasonal averages; n the beginning of July the temperatures began to warm up and became quite hot by mid-month. Temperatures cooled down again in August again with notably cool nights, which significantly contributed to the quality of the fruit, both in terms of aromas and natural acids. From the middle of August through the months of September and October rainfall was scarce, resulting in an excellent harvest.

    TASTING NOTES

    The growing season started slightly late, followed by abundant rainfall in May and June. Temperatures in June were cool and well below the seasonal average; in the beginning of July the temperatures began to warm up and became quite hot by mid-month. Temperatures cooled down again in August with cool nights in particular, significantly contributing to the quality of the fruit in terms of aromatics and natural acidity. From the middle of August through September and October rainfall was scarce, resulting in an excellent harvest.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 15%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

  • 2009

    THE 2009 VINTAGE

    The spring start to the growing cycle was marked by abundant rainfall, which helped provide high levels of water reserves. The rainy phase went on until mid-July, with temperatures particularly cool and well below the seasonal norm. After mid July, the weather stayed warm and dry; in this phase, the vines could take advantage of the water reserves accumulated during the spring. Relatively cool nighttime temperatures allowed for the gradual development of aromatics and polyphenols, enhancing the overall quality of the grapes. The harvest went smoothly thanks to dry, warm and sunny days in September and October.

    TASTING NOTES

    The spring start to the growing cycle was marked by abundant rainfall, which helped provide high levels of water reserves. The rainy phase went on till mid July, with temperatures particularly cool and well below the seasonal norm. After mid July, the weather stayed warm and dry, so the vines could take advantage of the water reserves accumulated during the spring. Relatively cool nighttime temperatures allowed for the gradual development of aromatics and polyphenols, enhancing the overall quality of the grapes. The harvest went smoothly thanks to dry, warm and sunny days in September and October.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 15%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 93

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2007

    THE 2007 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    Thanks to a mild winter, the growing season started early, with anticipated flowering. Heavy rainfall in late May and early June provided sufficient water reserves in the soil to endure the mid-June heat wave. The harvest started about one week ahead of time yet still lasted into mid October without any difficulties, thanks to ideal fall weather.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 14,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in combined French oak and stainless steel Horizon vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    RESTAURANT WINE 4+ stars (excellent/exceptional)

    WINE ENTHUSIAST 97

    WINE SPECTATOR 95

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 95

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2004

    THE 2004 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    A regular growth starting with sufficient rainfall during spring to create good water reserves in the soil. Overall summer temperatures were lower than the last ones and most importantly, normal patterns of more than significant variations between daytime and night temperatures returned, yielding for a slow and balanced ripening.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13,5%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    WINE ENTHUSIAST 93

    DUEMILAVINI 5 Bunches

    THE EXPRESS 16.5 - 4 Bottles

    VERONELLI 3 Stars

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2003

    THE 2003 VINTAGE

    An intense and deep Supertuscan that represents very well the potential of the three vines that compose it.

    TASTING NOTES

    Deep and bold colour. The bouquet is very fruity with notes of small red berries, cassis, cherry and spices. Truly remarkable structure, above average, with powerful yet unobtrusive tannins. Long, lingering finish. Enjoyable right now and for at least the next 15 years.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at controlled temperature (25-30°) in stainless steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    VERONELLI 95 - 3 Stars

    RED TAMBER 3 Glasses

    DECANTER WWA Silver

    DATA SHEET

  • 2001

    THE 2001 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    The seasonal conditions were marked by a severe early frost on Easter Eve that reduced the production. Subsequently, sufficient rainfall at the end of June allowed for an optimal balance of water reserves in the soil. The temperature climbed gradually from mid July but without reaching any excessively high peak. Some rainfall in September permitted to Sangiovese to reach a good technological and physiological maturation.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    WINE SPECTATOR 92

    WINE ENTHUSIAST 92

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 95

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 2000

    TECHNICAL SHEET

    THE 2000 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    A rainy winter was followed by a cool spring, which allowed for an optimal development of the vegetation until mid August, but then the torrid temperature (over 37°C during the day and 20°C during the night) put the plants under a severe hydric stress that stopped the synthesis process and accelerated dramatically the maturation of sugars. This critical situation was skillfully managed anticipating the beginning of the harvest and operating with a soft approach (night harvest). This allowed to minimize the risks of extracting bitter compounds and aromas. It was one of the most challenging vintages in our estate's history.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

  • 1999

    TASTING NOTES

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    This was a year to remember for its climate. In fact, all phases of development experienced optimal weather conditions for both the early-maturing Merlot and the later maturing Cabernet. A rainy winter was followed by a cool spring which allowed the vine to develop balanced vegetation, leading into a hot but not torrid summer. Because of this, the grapes were able to arrive at a balanced maturity of sugar content, tannins and aromatics. In fact, the broad range in temperatures between day and night throughout the autumn allowed both grape types to develop intense varietal aromas.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    RED TAMBER 3 Glasses

    DUEMILAVINI 5 Bunches

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 1998

    THE 1998 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    A particularly dry summer, with torrid temperatures in July and August resulting in intense concentration and a smaller berry size with a higher proportion of skin to pulp. These conditions required vigilance in winemaking to soften the tannins by reducing the time of maceration and pumping over, removal of the seeds during vinification, and maintaining an overall lower fermentation temperature than usual. The results were excellent, especially for later maturing varietals.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation at a controlled temperature (25-30°) in steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    DUEMILAVINI 5 Bunches

    WINE NEWS 91

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 1997

    THE 1997 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    Normal spring conditions. Light mid-summer rains allowed the vines to fair well through a dry September with optimal growing conditions

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    DUEMILAVINI 5 Bunches

    WINE SPECTATOR 93

    ASSOCIATION BANCO D'ASSAGGIO VINI D'ITALIA Gold Medal

    JAMESSUCKLING.COM 93

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 1995

    THE 1995 VINTAGE

    A Supertuscan that perfectly combines the best tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the territory of Montalcino.

    TASTING NOTES

    Good rainfall, temperatures throughout spring. Cool, rainy August was followed by perfect conditions towards end of September, yielding ideal results for the later maturing varietiesfound in this blend.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    DUEMILAVINI 5 Bunches

    WINE SPECTATOR 93

    ASSOCIATION BANCO D'ASSAGGIO VINI D'ITALIA Gold Medal

    TECHNICAL SHEET

  • 1993

    THE 1993 VINTAGE

    A very rainy spring was followed by a very hot and dry summer. The rainfall in the first few days of September prevented the red-berried varieties from suffering drought stress and allowed the grapes to reach harvest in excellent condition.

    TASTING NOTES

    Deep and resolute colour. The bouquet is very fruity and is perfectly integrated with a silky and compact structure. Incredibly powerful with enormous ageing potential.

    Wonderful fruit, beautifully woven into a silky wooden texture. Incredibly powerful and young, with long aging potential.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    alcohol 13%

    Yield per hectare 60 q/ha.

    Fermentation temperature-controlled in steel vats

    Soil areas with a moderate incline on which clay sediments with pebbles and stones from limestone and sandstone develop.

    Serving temperature 16-18°C: 0,75 l castellobanfi.com

    AWARDS

    WINE SPECTATOR 93

    RED TAMBER 3 Glasses

    TECHNICAL SHEET