2016 Caiarossa

Bordelais in Tuscany. 42% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15.5% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4.5% Sangiovese, 1% Alicante. Mild winter (one of the warmest recorded in Tuscany since 1900) with a lot of rain (twice as much as normal in January) followed by warm weather resulted in early budbreak (around mid March, over a week earlier than average). The abundance of water in the soil and the warm weather in April accelerated vine growth. Normal temperatures in May and June and a usual hot and dry summer, with rainfall around mid August and lower temperatures afterwards. By mid September, the rainfall allowed the estate to complete the harvest under perfect conditions: with sunny, moderately warm days with a good thermal amplitude between the day and night. Harvest 23 August to 5 October. Deep, glowing crimson. Rich, sweet, beguiling nose without excessive heat or sweetness and a little twist of balsam. Though on the palate it’s pretty hot and ripe and then a little hot, dry – and tart – on the end. Serving temperature critical, I would have thought. Needs food! (JR)

The 2016 Caiarossa will be released in September. This wine is a blend of seven grapes—42% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15.5% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4.5% Sangiovese and 1% Alicante. This vintage sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc than usual, but I am told that the 2018 edition will see more Syrah instead. The bouquet presents a beautiful first wave of dark fruit that pushes the limits of ripeness but remains safely within the realm of elegance. The aromas are balanced and focused with blackberry, cassis, and light touches of salty or rusty mineral. The wine is not too constructed or big in the mouth, rather is shows a delicate level of elegances that absolutely seals the deal. Some 57,000 bottles were made.

Very complex aromas of crushed berries, yet the fresh herbs, dried berries, sandalwood and Spanish cedar add complexity and brightness. Full-bodied with tannins that melt into the wine. Savory. Cabernet franc, merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot with a touch of alicante and sangiovese. Better after 2021.