2020 Terra di Lavoro
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Mellow dark ruby colour. Nose needs coaxing. Like all these wines, it calls for aeration but is still growing a couple of days after opening. There's a certain treacly quality to the fully ripe fruit which is, like the 2019, dominated by the tannin at this stage. Slightly dusty on the end but almost like essence of Aglianico. Southern heat is here, certainly. But it should develop into something really interesting. Eventually. Perhaps Allegra Selvaggia should get together with Libération Tardive ? (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Terra di Lavoro is a seductress, tempting the imagination with a cascade of sweet lavender and rose offset by crushed stone, savory spices, figs and plums. It sweeps across the palate with velvety textures yet remains lifted and spry, as zesty acidity breathes life into its core of tart wild berry fruits. Hints of blood orange add check-pinching tension toward the close. Tannic and nearly salty in character, the 2020 maintains amazing energy despite its power and concentration as a saturation of licorice and an almost smoky sensation lingers on. The 2020 shows the warmth of the vintage while maintaining a perfectly harmonious feel. I expect it will enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Bravo.
From a hot and dry vintage, the Galardi 2020 Terra di Lavoro (made with 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso) has a slightly charred bouquet over a mid-weight mouthfeel that feels momentarily slender on the mid-palate. The wine delivers good momentum, especially as it pertains to the mouthfeel, and although there is plenty of natural concentration, it is not heavy. The tannins are chalky with a hint of bitterness on the close. Yields were lower this year, with 15,000 bottles released.