2019 Magari Ca'Marcanda
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Tasting notes
Second wine of the estate. 55–60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Petit Verdot. Mid crimson. Sweet, generous cassis fruit and an overlay of oak spice but not overdone. Very slight leafy edge tells you it is majority Cab Franc. That leafiness is more obvious on the palate and gives a cool, silky freshness even though it is still so youthful. Chewy, long finish and more to come. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Magari comes across as a bit slender in this vintage. To be sure, the style has moved towards greater freshness in these wines, but to be frank, the 2019 just doesn't have the mid-palate and overall body that was once a signature of this wine and that is found in most Maremma wines.
The Ca' Marcanda 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Magari offers a surprisingly subtle side to the three very powerful grapes that make up the blend. These are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The bouquet is generous and full, with an intricate embroidery of lavender flower, garden herb, black fruit, spice and tobacco. You might even detect a hint of black olive. Magari is structured and solid but never heavy, and it offers a good sense of fresh acidity that makes for a lively and bright finish. That more acidic vein is neatly folded into ample fruity sweetness and flavor.
This is a firm yet velvety-textured red with blackberry, sage, pine-needle and dried-flower aromas and flavors. Itâs medium-to full-bodied with a lovely mouth feel and a long finish. Drink after 2023, when everything will have come more together.
About the producer
Gaja has been at the forefront of the Piedmont wine scene for many years and is Barbaresco’s most decorated producer. The winery has received a record number of Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards – the highest accolade from Italy’s leading wine publication.