2019 Brancaia Il Blu
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Tasting notes
A terrific blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is an organic red blend from the forested hills of Tuscany. The 2019 Il Blu is recognized by its modern blue label (and fun orange capsule) and its contemporary winemaking style. It offers seamless richness, elegant intensity and dark fruit weight. Italians might use the word "ruffiano" to describe it. The translation falls somewhere between "pleaser" and "panderer" but with a positive spin. Perhaps the most agreeable part of this barrique-aged wine is its availability, with an ample 42,000 bottles made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Composed of 80% Merlot and 10% each of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Il Blu is complex and impressive. It needs some time for its aromas to unfurl and reveals brooding black cherry liqueur, leather, anise, and incense. The palate is concentrated and full, with lasting depth, ripe tannins, and a velveteen texture. Notes of mocha, black plum, and Mediterranean herbs come together seamlessly. It is entirely worthy of cellaring a few years and enjoying over the following 2-3 decades. The Super Tuscans from this Chianti-based estate are not to be missed. Il Blu is the top of the range, produced since 1988 from hand-selected grapes from the best two vineyard sites in Chianti. With particular attention paid to sustainability, they practice organic viticulture and reduced bottle weight to counter CO2 emissions.
The 2019 Il Blu is gorgeous. Dark and mysterious in the glass, the 2019 is going to need at least a few years to reveal all of its personality. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint, licorice and new leather all meld together. This deep, fleshy Merlot-based blend hits all the right notes.