Caiarossa Toscana Rosso 2016

Double 97s, plus a 96 – Carairossa’S 2016 Toscana Rosso is simply a phenom that is a must for any collector's cellar! From the owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Giscours comes a blend of fruit that is truly unique – even in the break-all-the-rules Super-Tuscan world. Nearly 40% OFF!

Let’s start with the blend… seven grapes—42% cabernet franc, 25% merlot, 15.5% syrah, 6% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot, 4.5% sangiovese, and 1% alicante. That breakdown can vary wildly from year to year, but in 2016 – the cabernet franc was simply irresistible and more and more blended in throughout their trial blendings until it became the dominant aspect here in the final bottling. While the blend changes with each vintage, the vineyard does not – relying on the estate’s Podere Serra all’Olio vineyard – 77 acres of vineyards set amongst the truffle oak and olive groves at 1,800 feet above sea level in the Val di Cecina in the southern part of the province of Pisa. Just a few miles from the Tuscan coast, this is an almost hidden gem in Tuscany, with far fewer vineyards and far more forests, streams, rock outcroppings, and other natural features that have become less prevalent in modern-day Tuscany.

The estate is biodynamically certified, with all fruit hand-harvested. Fermentations occur in concrete and wooden tanks, with a 20-30 day maceration and full malolactic fermentation following primary. Aging is varietal dependent, with grapes like alicante spending only 11 months in barrel, while petit verdot and cabernet spend up to 20 months. After blending, the wine is allowed to integrate in concrete tanks for 6 months prior to bottling.

But the aromas! The flavors! That is what truly sets this wine apart. Inky, ripe blackberries and black currants, leading to beguiling violet, and mineral-laden notes of iron ore and fresh pipe tobacco...this is a stunning bouquet that aggressively pulls you into the glass. From there, unctuous mixed berry sensations join with flavors of smoked meat, tarragon, black pepper, cedar, and clove...seemingly massive in scope and intensity, yet nevertheless, harmoniously smooth and elegant. This will surely age beautifully over the coming decade, but there is simply no requirement to wait – this is a complex, delightful wine right now. All this...and all at the best in the U.S. price!?!? Do not miss!