The flagship estate wine, 2010 Monteverro, is absolutely stunning. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Vineyards are located on a soft incline at the foot of Capalbio facing the glimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The enormity of this wine cannot be exaggerated: Dark fruit, chocolate and spice make for a rich and opulent first impression. The excellence of the 2010 vintage is on full display thanks to the integrity of the fruit, the supple richness of the mouthfeel and the tangy sweetness of the finish. Monteverro is a relatively new estate that shows enormous promise. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

We’ve all heard the story before: Wealthy businessman falls in love with fine wine and sets out to make an icon wine of his own. Founded by German-born Swiss entrepreneur Georg Weber, Monteverro is the kind of estate you’d expect to find in Napa Valley where big money regularly rolls into town. Michel Rolland is a consultant and the underground barrel room is colossal, both in terms of investment and aspiration. Here’s the catch: Mr. Weber did not choose Napa. Instead, he settled on the trendy beach town of Capalbio in southern Tuscany that is known for many things, but not wine. Showing a level of moxie so high it touches peaks of brilliance and insanity, he planted his winemaking flag here. Given the excellent results, I can only say “chapeau.”