2011 Il Carnasciale IGT
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Carnasciale is a dark and brawny red wine made with Caberlot, a rare grape thought to be a hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Besides Il Carnasciale, only a tiny handful of producers grow this grape in Italy. The wine offers huge intensity and a bold, full-frontal approach. It's almost too much of a good thing, also because of the vintage ripeness that comes through loud and clear. Cherry liqueur, dried blackberry, spice and moist tobacco play primary roles. This wine offers an odd semblance of balance that is not fully convincing. There is some lingering bitterness on the finish.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Carnasciale has developed beautifully since I tasted it from barrel last year. Freshly cut flowers, mocha, espresso, sage and mint all meld together in a wine of true distinction and class. Aromatic perfumed and savory to the core, the 2011 delivers the goods and then some. This is a fabulous entry-level offering from Il Carnasciale.
Dark red berries, rose petals, licorice, flowers and mint all flesh out as the 2011 Carnasciale opens up in the glass. Rich, layered and beautifully resonant, the 2011 is one of the best Carnasciales ever made. The warmth of the vintage is perfectly suited to a wine meant to be enjoyed on the young side. Even with all of its richness, the 2011 retains a gorgeous floral overtones and freshness.