2018 Il Caberlot
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Tasting notes
This wine carries the special name "Trentesimo" because it celebrates the 30 years since the first vintage was released in 1988. The Il Carnasciale 2018 Il Caberlot shows elegant and subtle evolution with leather, tobacco and smoky tar playing a bigger role on the bouquet. It rained a lot in 2018, and the summer season saw sudden heat spikes. These conditions created quite a few challenges during the growing season, although harvest season was trouble-free. This wine offers elegant freshness, but it doesn't have the concentration that you get in 2019. The price listed here refers to a magnum (which is the only container this wine is sold in). I would bet on a shorter drinking window for 2018.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Il Caberlot is a stunning wine. It's not the most immediate nor explosive Caberlot, but it is such a tremendous example of this wine. The bouquet alone is mesmerizing. Crushed herbs, rose petal, mint, blood orange, incense and sweet pipe tobacco all build in the glass. Imagine Cheval Blanc, but with a good dose of Tuscan sun. Readers who can find the 2018 should not hesitate, as it is magical. I imagine it will be even better in the commercial magnums than this 750ml tasting sample.
Impressive aromas of sage, mint and currants follow through to a full body with round, fine tannins that are nicely integrated into the wine. Fresh and vivid finish. Very balanced and attractive. Drink in 2023 and onwards, but already very attractive.
Impenetrable crimson. Blueberry and blackberry fruit woven into new oak and with hints of dark earth and leather. Vibrant blackberry fruit with polished, clinging tannins on the palate, while the oak has receded to the background. Has the air of a cool-climate wine. Great length with notes of oak. Simply gorgeous. (WS)