Caiarossa 2018

Tasted as an unfinished sample, the Caiarossa 2018 Caiarossa offers great insight into the forward-looking trajectory and the solid quality record of this gem of an estate on the Tuscan Coast. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante, with the saturated and dark fruit aromas of the Cabernet grapes in pole position. A deep core of black fruit is backed by exotic spice, tar and sweet licorice at the back. The finest work here is to the tannins, which (like in the preview 2019 sample I also tasted) remain very smooth and taut, giving the wine an elegant but determined backbone.

Intense fruit flavors of blackberry, black currant, black cherry and spicy oak are the hallmarks of this red, which is balanced and well-integrated, fresh and long, but just needs two to three years to unwind. Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Alicante. Best from 2023 through 2043. 3,400 cases made, 1,100 cases imported.

Ripe aromas of blackberry, morello cherries, sweet oak spice and earthy notes. Very juicy and concentrated with ripe tannins.

This is extremely perfumed with violets, sage, lavender, currants and berries. Fresh and vivid. Medium- to full-bodied with super-refined tannins and fruit. So subtle and refined. This is really long and gorgeous, going on for minutes. A change in style from past vintages, and I like it. 30% syrah, 30% cabernet franc, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 7% petit verdot and 5% sangiovese. From organically grown grapes. So hard not to drink now, but better after 2023.