A Tasting of 1997 IGT / Super Tuscan

95/95 Tasting for May. All wines served blind. Phenomenal texture and youth in all of these bottles. Everyone who tasted was incredibly impressed by the quality of the wines.

Villa Cafaggio Cortaccio

Overview: 100% Cabernet and at least 6 months in 100% new French oak barriques. Cabernet viens grafted onto Canaiolo rootstock.

Notes: On the nose, dark and brooding. Slight medicinal/herbal note. On the palate, still tight, thick and slightly chalky. Dusty cherries, violets, and raspberries. Lengthy finish. Aged but so youthful.


Montiano Falesco

Overview: 100% Merlot from Lazio. 12 months in Nevers and Tronçais barriques

Notes: Smells like a tack room, barnyard funk and leathery notes. On the palate, more Bordeaux-like in style, leathery tobacco. Hot, shorter finish. Thick.


Frescobaldi Lamaione

Overview: 100% Merlot from the 12 acre Lamione vineyard at Tenuta di Castel Giocondo in Montalcino. 18 months in oak.

Notes: Menthol, burnt rubber, cherry Band-Aid on the nose. On the palate, leaner and cleaner. Elegant finish. Nice acid and bright cherries.


Isole e Olena Cepparello

Overview: 100% Sangiovese, 14 months in 1/3 new French oak.

Notes: Cherries dusted in coco powder on the nose. Deep. Bright raspberries and cherries on the palate. Nice Acid.