|
B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
An array of elegant, top scoring Super Tuscan blends from outstanding vintages, these exceptional Caiarossa selections are crafted from an exceptional terroir above Bolgheri with French expertise, the estate's flagship cuvee described as “one of the Italian wines closest to Bordeaux both in DNA and winemaking” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner and unbeatably priced at a fraction of nearby Sassicaia and Ornellaia for Tuscan wine lovers and collectors to stock the cellar and enjoy often.
Located on the northern Tuscan coast near the beautiful hilltop town of Riparbella, the wooded 100 hectare Caiarossa estate boasts sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, its hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or “rossa” gravelly soil for which it is named and enjoying a steady rise in quality under the ownership of the Albada Jelgersma family since 2004, also owners of Bordeaux estates du Tertre and Giscours. Spread across three sites averaging 600 meters above sea level, the estate’s biodynamically farmed vineyards are planted with eight different red varietals of Bordeaux and Rhone grapes as well as Tuscany’s native Sangiovese, the blend varying from vintage but maintaining a consistent style under Decanter Rising Star consultant Alex Marchal who ferments the varietals separately with native yeasts before aging the blend in a mix of new and used French oak barrels and resting it in concrete before further time in bottle. Earning a spot on James Suckling’s Top 100 Italian Wines of 2019, the elegant 97 pt. 2016 Caiarossa is a harmonious blend of mostly Cabernet Franc with Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot described by the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson as “youthful and fresh, with a firm structure and a long, saturated finish of dark fruit” and ready to enjoy over the next decade. A blend of mostly Cabernet Franc and Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and a little Grenache, the stunning 96 pt. 2019 Caiarossa is “balanced and fresh” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner boasting “thick layers of dark fruit, crushed stone, tobacco and exotic spice,” that promises to evolve over the next few decades. Described as “rich, deep and yet not at all heavy” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the refined 95 pt. 2020 Caiarossa is “an ambitious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, summed up as “well executed with lots of fragrance and a mineral, stone grip on the finish” by Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. A blend of mostly Syrah with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Grenache, the powerful and refined 96 pt. 2021 Caiarossa boasts “fine depth to the dark fruit flavors, plus a terrific aftertaste that really persists” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson, already drinking beautifully and showing the potential to age beautifully over the next decades.
Described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as a "gem of an estate," these flagship Caiarossa selections boast a winning combination of “drinkability and complexity” according to critic James Suckling’s who calls Caiarossa one of his “go to” Tuscan reds, standing shoulder to shoulder with the region's high profile Super Tuscans at an unbeatable price. |
|
The 2020 Caiarossa is the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever. Rich, deep and yet not at all heavy, the 2020 offers up an exotic mélange of dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, licorice, new leather and incense. All the elements are so nicely balanced.
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2023)
This is aromatic with dried cherries and plum skins as well as spiced chocolate, lilacs, walnut shell and nutmeg. Some wet stones, too. It’s full, structured and wide on the palate with super-fine tannins. It’s powerful but not heavy with freshness and crunchiness. Shows intensity and richness. Give it time. Made from biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Try from 2026.
95 points, James Suckling (May 2023)
Combines the structure of the Bordeaux varieties and the generous welcome of Tuscany, here translating into dark fruits that soften to delicious toasted spices, and plenty of liqourice, cloves, incense and underbrush. This was the warmest vintage since 1800, with harvest from the end of August until September 22, but the concentration of the vintage is mitigated by plenty of acidity. Excellent structure, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable, precise and well made wine, with a kick of eucaplyptus freshness on the finish, along with fragrant spices. Jerome Poisson winemaker, 31ha of vines, owned by AJ Domaines. 30% new oak. Axel Marchal consultant. Vinified in a mix of concrete and wooden tanks, then barrel ageing followed by a year in bottle before release.
94 points, Jane Anson (Aug 2023)
Offers a combination of black currant, blackberry and loam flavors, with flourishes of iron and tobacco backed by dense tannins, which leave a burr on the finish. Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Grenache. Best from 2026 through 2040.
93 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2023)