"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                

"Lots of berry, with hints of lightly toasted oak and violets. Full body, with velvety tannins and juicy, delicious. Another year will soften the tannins slightly. But so good to drink now."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

"The 2010 Ateo, a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is striking in this great vintage. Firm tannins support expressive dark fruit, wild flowers, mint, sage and blackberries. Although a wine more of region than variety, the 2010 impresses for its vibrant, structured personality and impeccable class. A big, full-throttle finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022." 

"The 2009 Ateo (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is a juicy, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next handful of years. It shows excellent up-front intensity, but then loses some persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Freshly cut flowers and mint give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 

"The 2008 Ateo (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs, cassis, cedar and sweet spices. This is a fairly compact Ateo – not surprising considering the vintage – yet it shows plenty of concentration, depth and sheer muscle. It is a terrific effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 

"The estate’s 2007 Ateo is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now that the Sangiovese has been eliminated from the blend. Although the wine is made from international varieties here those grapes speak with a distinctly Tuscan accent. Plummy dark fruit leads to sweet herbs, spices, earthiness and minerals as this rich, deep wine opens up in the glass. This is one of the few 2007s that will actually benefit from another year or so in bottle. It is gorgeous stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019."

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Ciacci’s 2003 Ateo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, is a potent effort bursting with intense, concentrated sweet dark fruit, licorice and underbrush flavors. While it shows the heat of the vintage, the higher acidity of the Sangiovese provides freshness and gives the wine a beautiful sense of harmony. It should be even better after a few years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 

"The 2001 Ateo, the house Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, is, for me, the best to date, a dark ruby with warm and spicy notes of red and black currants, rosemary and thyme, and minerals. The powerful, sustained palate is sizeable and of excellent intensity. Drink: 2004-2015." 

"Mama Mia! The 1999 Ateo is a brilliant effort from this prodigious producer. It is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine possesses a deep, saturated garnet/plum color in addition to a pure, sweet bouquet of saddle leather aromas intertwined with black currants, licorice, tobacco, and plums. Elegant yet powerful, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years."

"The 1998 Ateo (a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gloriously ripe, full-bodied, velvety-textured effort with a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of smoky, earthy, blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit, a touch of graphite, decent acidity, and a seamless, opulent, voluptuous finish. This compelling wine is meant to be drunk over the next 10-12 years." 

The entry-level 2018 Sant'Antimo Ateo by Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a handy wine for informal occasions. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bouquet offers a fresh level of red and purple fruits with some of the sour and raw characteristics you could expect of this cool corner in Tuscany. That fruity bitterness is especially evident on the wine's lean to medium-weight frame. You taste wild Tuscany in this wine. Some 27,000 bottles were released in September 2019.

"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                

"Lots of berry, with hints of lightly toasted oak and violets. Full body, with velvety tannins and juicy, delicious. Another year will soften the tannins slightly. But so good to drink now."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

"The 2010 Ateo, a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is striking in this great vintage. Firm tannins support expressive dark fruit, wild flowers, mint, sage and blackberries. Although a wine more of region than variety, the 2010 impresses for its vibrant, structured personality and impeccable class. A big, full-throttle finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022." 

"The 2009 Ateo (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is a juicy, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next handful of years. It shows excellent up-front intensity, but then loses some persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Freshly cut flowers and mint give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 

"The 2008 Ateo (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs, cassis, cedar and sweet spices. This is a fairly compact Ateo – not surprising considering the vintage – yet it shows plenty of concentration, depth and sheer muscle. It is a terrific effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 

"The estate’s 2007 Ateo is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now that the Sangiovese has been eliminated from the blend. Although the wine is made from international varieties here those grapes speak with a distinctly Tuscan accent. Plummy dark fruit leads to sweet herbs, spices, earthiness and minerals as this rich, deep wine opens up in the glass. This is one of the few 2007s that will actually benefit from another year or so in bottle. It is gorgeous stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019."

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Ciacci’s 2003 Ateo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, is a potent effort bursting with intense, concentrated sweet dark fruit, licorice and underbrush flavors. While it shows the heat of the vintage, the higher acidity of the Sangiovese provides freshness and gives the wine a beautiful sense of harmony. It should be even better after a few years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 

"The 2001 Ateo, the house Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, is, for me, the best to date, a dark ruby with warm and spicy notes of red and black currants, rosemary and thyme, and minerals. The powerful, sustained palate is sizeable and of excellent intensity. Drink: 2004-2015." 

"Mama Mia! The 1999 Ateo is a brilliant effort from this prodigious producer. It is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine possesses a deep, saturated garnet/plum color in addition to a pure, sweet bouquet of saddle leather aromas intertwined with black currants, licorice, tobacco, and plums. Elegant yet powerful, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years."

"The 1998 Ateo (a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gloriously ripe, full-bodied, velvety-textured effort with a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of smoky, earthy, blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit, a touch of graphite, decent acidity, and a seamless, opulent, voluptuous finish. This compelling wine is meant to be drunk over the next 10-12 years." 

The entry-level 2018 Sant'Antimo Ateo by Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a handy wine for informal occasions. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bouquet offers a fresh level of red and purple fruits with some of the sour and raw characteristics you could expect of this cool corner in Tuscany. That fruity bitterness is especially evident on the wine's lean to medium-weight frame. You taste wild Tuscany in this wine. Some 27,000 bottles were released in September 2019.

Dunkles Rubinviolett mit eingeschränkter Transparenz. Belebender Duft nach frischen Himbeeren und Walderdbeeren, kalter Früchtetee und etwas Menthol, krautig. Am Gaumen saftig, Beerenfrucht zieht sich wie ein roter Faden, trocken, griffiges Tannin und knackige Säure, im Finale nach Bitterschokolade und Pfefferminz, trocknet leider etwas nach.

Viola rubino scuro con trasparenza limitata. Profumo tonificante di lamponi freschi e fragoline di bosco, tè freddo alla frutta e un po' di mentolo, erbaceo. Succoso al palato, i frutti di bosco scorrono come un filo rosso, tannini asciutti e maneggevoli e acidità croccante, cioccolato fondente e menta piperita nel finale, purtroppo si asciuga un po'.

Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                

"Lots of berry, with hints of lightly toasted oak and violets. Full body, with velvety tannins and juicy, delicious. Another year will soften the tannins slightly. But so good to drink now."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

"The 2010 Ateo, a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is striking in this great vintage. Firm tannins support expressive dark fruit, wild flowers, mint, sage and blackberries. Although a wine more of region than variety, the 2010 impresses for its vibrant, structured personality and impeccable class. A big, full-throttle finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022." 

"The 2009 Ateo (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is a juicy, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next handful of years. It shows excellent up-front intensity, but then loses some persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Freshly cut flowers and mint give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 

"The 2008 Ateo (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs, cassis, cedar and sweet spices. This is a fairly compact Ateo – not surprising considering the vintage – yet it shows plenty of concentration, depth and sheer muscle. It is a terrific effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 

"The estate’s 2007 Ateo is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now that the Sangiovese has been eliminated from the blend. Although the wine is made from international varieties here those grapes speak with a distinctly Tuscan accent. Plummy dark fruit leads to sweet herbs, spices, earthiness and minerals as this rich, deep wine opens up in the glass. This is one of the few 2007s that will actually benefit from another year or so in bottle. It is gorgeous stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019."

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Ciacci’s 2003 Ateo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, is a potent effort bursting with intense, concentrated sweet dark fruit, licorice and underbrush flavors. While it shows the heat of the vintage, the higher acidity of the Sangiovese provides freshness and gives the wine a beautiful sense of harmony. It should be even better after a few years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 

"The 2001 Ateo, the house Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, is, for me, the best to date, a dark ruby with warm and spicy notes of red and black currants, rosemary and thyme, and minerals. The powerful, sustained palate is sizeable and of excellent intensity. Drink: 2004-2015." 

"Mama Mia! The 1999 Ateo is a brilliant effort from this prodigious producer. It is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine possesses a deep, saturated garnet/plum color in addition to a pure, sweet bouquet of saddle leather aromas intertwined with black currants, licorice, tobacco, and plums. Elegant yet powerful, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years."

"The 1998 Ateo (a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gloriously ripe, full-bodied, velvety-textured effort with a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of smoky, earthy, blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit, a touch of graphite, decent acidity, and a seamless, opulent, voluptuous finish. This compelling wine is meant to be drunk over the next 10-12 years." 

The entry-level 2018 Sant'Antimo Ateo by Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a handy wine for informal occasions. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bouquet offers a fresh level of red and purple fruits with some of the sour and raw characteristics you could expect of this cool corner in Tuscany. That fruity bitterness is especially evident on the wine's lean to medium-weight frame. You taste wild Tuscany in this wine. Some 27,000 bottles were released in September 2019.

Dunkles Rubinviolett mit eingeschränkter Transparenz. Belebender Duft nach frischen Himbeeren und Walderdbeeren, kalter Früchtetee und etwas Menthol, krautig. Am Gaumen saftig, Beerenfrucht zieht sich wie ein roter Faden, trocken, griffiges Tannin und knackige Säure, im Finale nach Bitterschokolade und Pfefferminz, trocknet leider etwas nach.

Viola rubino scuro con trasparenza limitata. Profumo tonificante di lamponi freschi e fragoline di bosco, tè freddo alla frutta e un po' di mentolo, erbaceo. Succoso al palato, i frutti di bosco scorrono come un filo rosso, tannini asciutti e maneggevoli e acidità croccante, cioccolato fondente e menta piperita nel finale, purtroppo si asciuga un po'.

Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                

"Lots of berry, with hints of lightly toasted oak and violets. Full body, with velvety tannins and juicy, delicious. Another year will soften the tannins slightly. But so good to drink now."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

"The 2010 Ateo, a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is striking in this great vintage. Firm tannins support expressive dark fruit, wild flowers, mint, sage and blackberries. Although a wine more of region than variety, the 2010 impresses for its vibrant, structured personality and impeccable class. A big, full-throttle finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022." 

"The 2009 Ateo (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is a juicy, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next handful of years. It shows excellent up-front intensity, but then loses some persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Freshly cut flowers and mint give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 

"The 2008 Ateo (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs, cassis, cedar and sweet spices. This is a fairly compact Ateo – not surprising considering the vintage – yet it shows plenty of concentration, depth and sheer muscle. It is a terrific effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 

"The estate’s 2007 Ateo is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now that the Sangiovese has been eliminated from the blend. Although the wine is made from international varieties here those grapes speak with a distinctly Tuscan accent. Plummy dark fruit leads to sweet herbs, spices, earthiness and minerals as this rich, deep wine opens up in the glass. This is one of the few 2007s that will actually benefit from another year or so in bottle. It is gorgeous stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019."

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Ciacci’s 2003 Ateo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, is a potent effort bursting with intense, concentrated sweet dark fruit, licorice and underbrush flavors. While it shows the heat of the vintage, the higher acidity of the Sangiovese provides freshness and gives the wine a beautiful sense of harmony. It should be even better after a few years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 

"The 2001 Ateo, the house Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, is, for me, the best to date, a dark ruby with warm and spicy notes of red and black currants, rosemary and thyme, and minerals. The powerful, sustained palate is sizeable and of excellent intensity. Drink: 2004-2015." 

"Mama Mia! The 1999 Ateo is a brilliant effort from this prodigious producer. It is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine possesses a deep, saturated garnet/plum color in addition to a pure, sweet bouquet of saddle leather aromas intertwined with black currants, licorice, tobacco, and plums. Elegant yet powerful, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years."

"The 1998 Ateo (a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gloriously ripe, full-bodied, velvety-textured effort with a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of smoky, earthy, blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit, a touch of graphite, decent acidity, and a seamless, opulent, voluptuous finish. This compelling wine is meant to be drunk over the next 10-12 years." 

Dunkles Rubinviolett mit eingeschränkter Transparenz. Belebender Duft nach frischen Himbeeren und Walderdbeeren, kalter Früchtetee und etwas Menthol, krautig. Am Gaumen saftig, Beerenfrucht zieht sich wie ein roter Faden, trocken, griffiges Tannin und knackige Säure, im Finale nach Bitterschokolade und Pfefferminz, trocknet leider etwas nach.

Viola rubino scuro con trasparenza limitata. Profumo tonificante di lamponi freschi e fragoline di bosco, tè freddo alla frutta e un po' di mentolo, erbaceo. Succoso al palato, i frutti di bosco scorrono come un filo rosso, tannini asciutti e maneggevoli e acidità croccante, cioccolato fondente e menta piperita nel finale, purtroppo si asciuga un po'.

Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                

"Lots of berry, with hints of lightly toasted oak and violets. Full body, with velvety tannins and juicy, delicious. Another year will soften the tannins slightly. But so good to drink now."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

"The 2010 Ateo, a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is striking in this great vintage. Firm tannins support expressive dark fruit, wild flowers, mint, sage and blackberries. Although a wine more of region than variety, the 2010 impresses for its vibrant, structured personality and impeccable class. A big, full-throttle finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022." 

"The 2009 Ateo (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is a juicy, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next handful of years. It shows excellent up-front intensity, but then loses some persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Freshly cut flowers and mint give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 

"The 2008 Ateo (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs, cassis, cedar and sweet spices. This is a fairly compact Ateo – not surprising considering the vintage – yet it shows plenty of concentration, depth and sheer muscle. It is a terrific effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 

"The estate’s 2007 Ateo is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now that the Sangiovese has been eliminated from the blend. Although the wine is made from international varieties here those grapes speak with a distinctly Tuscan accent. Plummy dark fruit leads to sweet herbs, spices, earthiness and minerals as this rich, deep wine opens up in the glass. This is one of the few 2007s that will actually benefit from another year or so in bottle. It is gorgeous stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019."

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Ciacci’s 2003 Ateo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, is a potent effort bursting with intense, concentrated sweet dark fruit, licorice and underbrush flavors. While it shows the heat of the vintage, the higher acidity of the Sangiovese provides freshness and gives the wine a beautiful sense of harmony. It should be even better after a few years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 

"The 2001 Ateo, the house Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, is, for me, the best to date, a dark ruby with warm and spicy notes of red and black currants, rosemary and thyme, and minerals. The powerful, sustained palate is sizeable and of excellent intensity. Drink: 2004-2015." 

"Mama Mia! The 1999 Ateo is a brilliant effort from this prodigious producer. It is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine possesses a deep, saturated garnet/plum color in addition to a pure, sweet bouquet of saddle leather aromas intertwined with black currants, licorice, tobacco, and plums. Elegant yet powerful, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years."

"The 1998 Ateo (a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gloriously ripe, full-bodied, velvety-textured effort with a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of smoky, earthy, blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit, a touch of graphite, decent acidity, and a seamless, opulent, voluptuous finish. This compelling wine is meant to be drunk over the next 10-12 years." 

The entry-level 2018 Sant'Antimo Ateo by Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a handy wine for informal occasions. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bouquet offers a fresh level of red and purple fruits with some of the sour and raw characteristics you could expect of this cool corner in Tuscany. That fruity bitterness is especially evident on the wine's lean to medium-weight frame. You taste wild Tuscany in this wine. Some 27,000 bottles were released in September 2019.

Dunkles Rubinviolett mit eingeschränkter Transparenz. Belebender Duft nach frischen Himbeeren und Walderdbeeren, kalter Früchtetee und etwas Menthol, krautig. Am Gaumen saftig, Beerenfrucht zieht sich wie ein roter Faden, trocken, griffiges Tannin und knackige Säure, im Finale nach Bitterschokolade und Pfefferminz, trocknet leider etwas nach.

Viola rubino scuro con trasparenza limitata. Profumo tonificante di lamponi freschi e fragoline di bosco, tè freddo alla frutta e un po' di mentolo, erbaceo. Succoso al palato, i frutti di bosco scorrono come un filo rosso, tannini asciutti e maneggevoli e acidità croccante, cioccolato fondente e menta piperita nel finale, purtroppo si asciuga un po'.

Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                

"Lots of berry, with hints of lightly toasted oak and violets. Full body, with velvety tannins and juicy, delicious. Another year will soften the tannins slightly. But so good to drink now."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

"The 2010 Ateo, a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is striking in this great vintage. Firm tannins support expressive dark fruit, wild flowers, mint, sage and blackberries. Although a wine more of region than variety, the 2010 impresses for its vibrant, structured personality and impeccable class. A big, full-throttle finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022." 

"The 2009 Ateo (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is a juicy, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next handful of years. It shows excellent up-front intensity, but then loses some persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Freshly cut flowers and mint give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 

"The 2008 Ateo (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs, cassis, cedar and sweet spices. This is a fairly compact Ateo – not surprising considering the vintage – yet it shows plenty of concentration, depth and sheer muscle. It is a terrific effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 

"The estate’s 2007 Ateo is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now that the Sangiovese has been eliminated from the blend. Although the wine is made from international varieties here those grapes speak with a distinctly Tuscan accent. Plummy dark fruit leads to sweet herbs, spices, earthiness and minerals as this rich, deep wine opens up in the glass. This is one of the few 2007s that will actually benefit from another year or so in bottle. It is gorgeous stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019."

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Bianchini’s 2006 Ateo (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) flows from the glass with tons of harmony and finesse. Here the fruit is ripe, sweet and expansive, yet the wine possesses remarkable poise, energy and vibrancy. This delicious wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." 

"Ciacci’s 2003 Ateo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, is a potent effort bursting with intense, concentrated sweet dark fruit, licorice and underbrush flavors. While it shows the heat of the vintage, the higher acidity of the Sangiovese provides freshness and gives the wine a beautiful sense of harmony. It should be even better after a few years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 

"The 2001 Ateo, the house Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, is, for me, the best to date, a dark ruby with warm and spicy notes of red and black currants, rosemary and thyme, and minerals. The powerful, sustained palate is sizeable and of excellent intensity. Drink: 2004-2015." 

"Mama Mia! The 1999 Ateo is a brilliant effort from this prodigious producer. It is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine possesses a deep, saturated garnet/plum color in addition to a pure, sweet bouquet of saddle leather aromas intertwined with black currants, licorice, tobacco, and plums. Elegant yet powerful, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years."

"The 1998 Ateo (a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gloriously ripe, full-bodied, velvety-textured effort with a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of smoky, earthy, blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit, a touch of graphite, decent acidity, and a seamless, opulent, voluptuous finish. This compelling wine is meant to be drunk over the next 10-12 years." 

The entry-level 2018 Sant'Antimo Ateo by Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a handy wine for informal occasions. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bouquet offers a fresh level of red and purple fruits with some of the sour and raw characteristics you could expect of this cool corner in Tuscany. That fruity bitterness is especially evident on the wine's lean to medium-weight frame. You taste wild Tuscany in this wine. Some 27,000 bottles were released in September 2019.

Dunkles Rubinviolett mit eingeschränkter Transparenz. Belebender Duft nach frischen Himbeeren und Walderdbeeren, kalter Früchtetee und etwas Menthol, krautig. Am Gaumen saftig, Beerenfrucht zieht sich wie ein roter Faden, trocken, griffiges Tannin und knackige Säure, im Finale nach Bitterschokolade und Pfefferminz, trocknet leider etwas nach.

Viola rubino scuro con trasparenza limitata. Profumo tonificante di lamponi freschi e fragoline di bosco, tè freddo alla frutta e un po' di mentolo, erbaceo. Succoso al palato, i frutti di bosco scorrono come un filo rosso, tannini asciutti e maneggevoli e acidità croccante, cioccolato fondente e menta piperita nel finale, purtroppo si asciuga un po'.

Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

"Aromas of lettuce and berries. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium, austere finish. A bit rough now, but should improve with bottle age. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 2,370 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                            

"Attractive blackberry and cherry aromas, with a hint of tarragon. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2002. 3,200 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                               

"Ripe red fruit, with hints of dried herb and vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 3,200 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                  

"Loads of black licorice and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Serious. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2005. 2,300 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                  

"A pretty wine with cherry, meat and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh finish. A well-made, caressing 2002. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2009. 1,000 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                                                       

"Bubbling over with blackberry, coffee and light hints of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2007. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                        

"Rich and jammy, with a slight stewed fruit character. Full and round. A bit one-dimensional, but likable. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. 1,080 cases made."  -B.S.                                                                                                                 

"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                   

"Berry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a light coffee and berry finish. Little short, but delicious. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 550 cases made." -B.S.                                                                                                       

"Bright cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf flavors pick up light spice accents in this version, finishing with dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 1,500 cases made." -B.S.