The Mondavis of California are no longer involved in Luce, the SuperTuscan they created with Italy’s Frescobaldi family. But the sons of the men whose vision it was still share a warm friendship. Stephen Brook met them at the estate in Montalcino.
A taste of Luce
Luce della Vite, Luce 2011
17.5pts/20 (91/100pts)
Muted but oaky black cherry nose. Very rich, concentrated and tannic, but balanced by ripe acidity. Despite the sweet mid-palate this is still very youthful. Shows finesse and length, and a touch of dryness on the finish.
Price: £56.20 Fine & Rare
Drink 2016-2025
Alc 14.5%
Luce della Vite, Luce 2010
17.5pts/20 (91/100pts)
Discreet oaky nose with blackberry and mint, and some savoury notes with aeration. Firm attack of black fruits, oaky but has mild tannins, a tight structure and a long, spicy finish
Price: £69.95 Roberson
Drink 2015-2025
Alc 14.5%
Luce della Vite, Luce 2006
18.5pts/20 (95/100pts)
Voluptuous black fruits nose with Merlot showing through. Massive, very concentrated and powerful, yet the tannins are supple and there’s sweet oak on the finish. Robust but also lively and complex. Very long.
Price: N/A UK lucedellavite.com
Drink 2015-2022
Alc 15%
Luce della Vite, Luce 2004
16.5pts/20 (88/100pts)
Plump black cherry nose. Broad and lush, full-bodied and concentrated, but still tannic and a touch austere and extracted. Good length with a chocolatey finish, but overall it lacks some finesse and zest.
Price: N/A UK lucedellavite.com
Drink 2015-2020
Alc 13.5%
Luce della Vite, Luce 1999
17.5pts/20 (91/100pts)
Rich, oaky nose of cherry and tobacco, but also shows delicacy and finesse. Ripe, sweet and concentrated, and though still tannic the oak balances the opulence. Good grip on the long finish.
Price: N/A UK lucedellavite.com
Drink 2015-2020
Alc 14.5%
Luce della Vite, Luce 1995
17pts/20 (90/100pts)
Delicate, fragrant tobacco and cherry nose. Lean and tight with rather sharp acidity. Lacks succulence but has persistence and some finesse, and grows on the palate with aeration. Long, but with a dry finish.
Price: £79.95 Roberson
Drink 2015-2018
Alc 13.5%
Luce della Vite, Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2009
17pts/20 (90/100pts)
Rich, smoky, Porty nose – quite oaky with pronounced sour cherry fruit. Sweet silky attack: plump yet shows good acidity and persistence, if lacking in complexity. Quite long.
Price: £71.64 Corking Wines
Drink 2015-2025
Alc 15%
