2008 Cabernet 602020
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Tasting notes
The estate’s 2008 60 20 20, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend is impeccable, beautiful and graceful from start to finish. Dark red berries, tar, smoke and incense are some of the notes that emerge from the glass. The freshness and pure vibrancy of the year come through in spades in this delineated, vibrant wine. The 2008 isn’t a block buster, but it impresses for its textural elegance and finesse. Proprietor Celestino Gaspari dries about 30% of the fruit for 20 days and ages the finished wine about 36 months in cask, resulting in a red that occasionally shows Alzero-inspired inflections. But the 60 20 20 is its own wine, and a beautiful one at that.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the 2008 60-20-20 is aged in new French oak for 36 months. The wine is full and immediate with thick aromas of black fruit, plum, spice cake and cigar box that fit together seamlessly. Pretty accents of dried rosemary or Italian oregano add lift and buoyancy to the bouquet. This is a large and opulent wine in terms of mouthfeel with thick, fruity extract and a delicious touch of soft sweetness on the finish. Drink 2015-2025. From his cave-like cellars in San Pietro in Cariano, Celestino Gaspari oversees some of the most exciting and innovative work underway in Valpolicella today. At one point in his career, it seemed likely that Celestino would take the reigns from his late father-in-law, Giuseppe Quintarelli. But many years before the death of that legendary Valpolicella figure, Celestino decided to break off and start his own brand instead. He approached his new project with a level of creative expression and new thinking that is rare to find in a region steeped so deeply in local tradition. Importer: Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, www.bjwm.com