95pts Vinous
The 2019 Rosso de Veo is intense, with a burst of dried black cherries, autumnal spices and rubbed sage. This is a dark and brooding vintage for Veo, with depths of ripe red and blue fruit propelled by zesty acidity. Saline minerals saturate, and a primary concentration forms toward the close. It finishes dramatically long and tannic, yet they are round and soft contoured. Licorice and a tart cranberry concentration linger on and on. While labeled as Umbria Rosso, the Rosso de Veo could easily be a Montefalco Sagrantino, filling a happy place in the portfolio that adds a lot of value for lovers of Paolo Bea. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036 - By Eric Guido on August 2024

This year's visit focused on the 2019s, a year that started with a lot of humidity followed by an extremely warm summer. However, Bea believes that the harvest was extremely healthy, requiring longer fermentations to compensate for the ripe fruit. The 2019s are a welcome return to Bea’s expectations, following the arid and hot 2017 and wet and cooler 2018 vintages. These wines are powerful yet balanced, soulful and elegant in the Bea style. I especially love the Arboreus, a varietal Trebbiano Spoletino from vines interplanted with fruit trees. Often overlooked by consumers, this wine is ideal for meditation and matures remarkably well. The entry-level, high-energy Rosso San Valentino, 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano, is also worth seeking out. The 2019 is one of the most exciting vintages of the San Valentino to date, performing now at an elevated level. Notwithstanding increased prices in recent years, this is still a great value for a Paolo Bea experience. Sadly, the winery suffered huge losses in 2023 due to peronospora in the spring, which may impact the production of the vintage. Unfortunately, 2024 has been a very difficult year for the Bea family, with the passing of Paolo Bea in January, followed by his son Giuseppe just a few months later. Umbria and the wine world have lost two emblems. Despite the tragedy, the estate remains an icon of the region, with a portfolio exceeding expectations yearly. While Giampiero Bea, Paolo’s other son, has been the international face and soul of the winery who will continue to carry the torch, Giuseppe was the man behind the scenes in the vineyards and winery.