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Caiarossa Toscana Rosso 2016  - First Bottle

Reviews

97 James Suckling -
Very complex aromas of crushed berries, yet the fresh herbs, dried berries, sandalwood and Spanish cedar add complexity and brightness. Full-bodied with tannins that melt into the wine. Savory.
97 Falstaff -
Bright, intense ruby ??red. Appealing and complex nose, full of dark currants, elderberries, plus some sandalwood and cloves. Firm and dense tannin, well integrated, powerful and fleshy, firm pressure in the finale, very long.
96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
The 2016 Caiarossa will be released in September. This wine is a blend of seven grapes—42% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15.5% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4.5% Sangiovese and 1% Alicante. This vintage sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc than usual, but I am told that the 2018 edition will see more Syrah instead. The bouquet presents a beautiful first wave of dark fruit that pushes the limits of ripeness but remains safely within the realm of elegance. The aromas are balanced and focused with blackberry, cassis, and light touches of salty or rusty mineral. The wine is not too constructed or big in the mouth, rather is shows a delicate level of elegances that absolutely seals the deal. Some 57,000 bottles were made.
93 Wine Spectator -
Dark and brooding, this red delivers blackberry, cassis, violet, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, set on a dense frame. Youthful and fresh, with a firm structure and a long, saturated finish of dark fruit. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2032. 4,650 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

Technical Details

  • Blend42% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15.5% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4.5% Sangiovese and 1% Alicante
  • CountryItaly
  • RegionTuscany
  • AppellationTuscany
  • VineyardPodere Serra all’Olio
  • Farming MethodBiodynamic Practices
  • Aging/CooperageInto tonneaux and barrels from new to 3 years old, about 30% of new oak. From 11 months for the most delicate grapes, Alicante, until 20 months for the most powerful ones, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.Then 6 months in concrete tanks before bottling
  • Alcohol14%

Caiarossa Toscana Rosso 2016

Proprietary Blends  |  Italy
JS97, FS97, WA96, WS93, DWWA90

Biodynamic Practices
38% off retail!

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!

About the Producer

Carairossa is a winery that belongs to the Albada Jelgersma family, the owner of Château Giscours. The winery is known for its unique blend of 7 different grape varieties, which helps to express a strong sense of identity. Since 2001, Carairossa has been practicing biodynamic agriculture and the cellars have been built according to Feng Shui principles. Located in the Val di Cecina, near the medieval hamlet of Riparbella and a stone's throw from Bolgheri, Carairossa is one of the few vineyards in the area. The first vintage that was sold through "La Place" was in 2013 and since then, the winery has gained a reputation as a rising star in the "Super Tuscan" category. Carairossa has received outstanding press ratings and has gained international brand recognition over the years.