A broad, sapid red, with mingling flavors of plum, blackberry, loam, eucalyptus, tar and saline. Powerful, with the balance tipping to the assertive tannins. Impressive, yet lacks some of the liveliness and harmony of its peers in this vintage. Chewy finish. Best from 2026 through 2039. 1,000 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Bolgheri Select to Add

The 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Baia al Vento is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. I found that this wine is not totally linear, as it appears off center due to the more aggressive tannins and stemmy aromas. The bouquet opens to dark fruit (maybe from the Merlot) with earth, leather, resin and a green note of cardamom pod or green peppercorn. It delivers fully loaded 15.5% alcohol, and there is a slight bitterness to follow. Production is 10,000 bottles.

Pull out the casserole recipes for the Campo al Mare 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Baia al Vento, a powerful blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The bouquet comes together with good intensity and unity, borrowing from the ripeness of the fruit and some spicy notes picked up during the barrel aging process. It holds its potent 15.5% alcohol content in check thanks to the richness and softness of its textural fiber. Only 6,000 bottles were made.

The 2015 Bolgheri Superiore Baia Al Vento is a full-bodied wine, with loads of richness and extract. For my tastes, it is in fact a bit too heavy and extracted to merit a higher score. It might work well with a very succulent steak dish or with gamey-tasting meats, like venison or stewed wild boar.