Castello Banfi Super Tuscans
Excelsus, Latin for “eminent,” is produced only in excellent vintages.
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Black currants, plum skins, toasted spices, cedar and nut shell on the nose. Full and layered with firm tannins and a rich dark fruit character. Mineral too, with notes of sea shell and crushed stones. Vivid acidity. Long and linear finish.
The aromas of redcurrants, raspberries and orange are so attractive and flow out to a full body with integrated tannins that are creamy and fine. So delicious to drink now, but better after 2024.
This solidly built red is hallmarked by black currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit. Richly textured and balanced, revealing iron, tobacco and spice notes as this unravels through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2023-2033-B.S.
Boasting black cherry, blackberry, tar, rosemary and eucalyptus flavors, this red is rich and dense, with dusty tannins and vibrant acidity driving the lingering finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2028.
Aromas of black cherries, berries and sandalwood. Floral. Medium to full body with firm and polished tannins that are still chewy. But with some time, they will soften and come together. This shows a surprising amount of freshness and firmness for the vintage. Drink after 2023.
A juicy, fruity red with berry, chocolate and spice character. Some currants, too. Medium to full body, round tannins and a delicious finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now or hold.
Cellar Selection
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this red has alluring aromas of botanical herb, woodland berry, blue flower and a whiff of warm spice. Full bodied and loaded with finesse, the smooth, delicious palate doles out juicy raspberry, black cherry jam, tobacco and licorice before a coffee-bean finish. Fresh acidity and a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins provide balance and structure.
Lots of rich and juicy fruit in this with a full body, velvety tannins and a long, long finish of currants, cherries and hints of bark. Drink from 2021.
Shy in aroma, this red evokes violet, black currant, blackberry, iron and tobacco flavors. Powerful and brooding, this needs time to reveal the pure fruit and supple texture. Terrific length and vibrant structure. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2033.
Lots of rich and juicy fruit in this with a full body, velvety tannins and a long, long finish of currants, cherries and hints of bark.
A fresh and fruity red with currants and hints of basil character on the nose and palate. Medium body, firm tannins and a crisp finish. Needs a year or two to come together completely. Drink in 2020.
Very Bordeaux-like in aroma and flavor, offering notes of black currant, cedar, cigar box and coffee. Features good acidity and finishes with a light coating of dusty tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2023. 1,600 cases made. –Bs Issue Sep 30, 2018
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has enticing aromas of black-skinned fruit, fresh violet, espresso and a whiff of cake spice. Smooth and structured, the elegant palate delivers crushed raspberry, cassis, licorice and clove that follow through to the long finish. A backbone of polished fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity give it an age-worthy structure. Drink 2019–2033.
Woodsy, spicy notes are the highlights in this compact, muscular red. The density belies the sweet cherry, currant and plum fruit that should emerge with a little more time. Show fine balance and length. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,660 cases made.
Showing sweet dried cherry and plum flavors, this is ripe and fluid, accented by leather, tea and spice. Firm, with refined tannins on the finish. This would pair nicely with a boar ragu. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now.
Herbal notes of thyme and tomato match up with black cherry and vanilla in this dense red, striking a pleasant balance of dusty tannins, acidity and rich texture. Drink now through 2018. – Bruce Sanderson (10/31/2013)
Aromas and flavors of prunes, fresh herbs and tobacco follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and milk chocolate and fruit aftertaste. Made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink or hold. – JS
A full and very juicy red, with loads of blackberry, toasty oak and intense coffee character. Very intense. Superb. Best after 2013.
– J.S. (10/31/2010)
The 2007 ExcelsuS is a gorgeous super Tuscan expression (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) that shows quality and superior fruit on all levels. Castello Banfi has really hit a home run with this vintage. You’ll encounter persuasive aromas of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, tobacco, curry leaf and deep renderings of exotic spice. The wine’s texture is exceedingly smooth, rich and long lasting. – M.L. (10/1/2011)