2003 Galatrona

Fattoria di Petrolo is located in the hills above Montevarchi, just outside the Chianti Classico zone. Proprietor Luca Sanjust embodies a spirit of intellectual curiosity and sensitivity befitting his training as an art historian. He is very ably assisted by oenologist Stefano Guidi, agronomist Carlo Nesterini and consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini. Petrolo produces two wines, the Sangiovese Il Torrione and the Merlot Galatrona. While Galatrona can hardly be described as a bargain, in today's market environment it offers stunning value for the money. The estate's 2005s and 2006s, which I tasted from barrel and tank also offer much potential. The estate is experimenting with several new varietals and it will be fascinating to see what Sanjust and his team come up with in future vintages. Readers visiting the winery owe it to themselves to taste the olive oil and Vin Santo both of which are made in minuscule quantities and reflect the estate's unwavering commitment to quality. Petrolo is a jewel of an estate, and I can't recommend the wines highly enough.