Caiarossa 2016

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 it shows a delicate level of elegance that absolutely seals the deal. Drink date: 2020-2040. Score – 96. (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, Aug. 30, 2019)