The 2021 Caiarossa Toscana showcases perfect harmony between Bordeaux grape varieties and Tuscan soil characteristics at this Italian biodynamic winery. This flagship wine unites Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Granache grapes which grow in the mineral-rich Val di Cecina soils of Riparbella's coastal hills. Since the early 2000s this amazing winery has operated under biodynamic principles. The Casteja family who also owns Château Batailley has transformed the estate into a leading Super Tuscan reference point in Tuscany. The 2021 vintage presents itself as a refined wine with dark cherry, blackberry and black plum flavors accompanied by licorice and incense and graphite and fresh herbs. The wine presents itself as both plush and structured with fine-grained tannins that lead to a deep core of fruit before finishing with cedar and crushed stone and dried flowers. A must-have for fans of Ornellaia, Sassicaia, or Masseto who seek authenticity over flash.

Pick up a bottle tonight for either the cellar or to pair with dinner tonight! The full-bodied, chewy tannic structure is robust yet well integrated despite its relative youth. The savory leather undertones are wonderfully complimented by resinous, incense-like herbal aromas that open up tremendously with a generous decant. It will be a pleasure to see how the 2021 continues to gain complexity as it ages.

What strikes me about this wine is that despite being driven by Bordeaux varietals, the nose, palate and sense of place is unmistakably Tuscan. The wild herbs, dusty terracotta earth, hints of leather, deep plummy fruit all transport me instantly back to my time explore the hills of Tuscany. The wine has a wonderful combination of pure, deep, ripe fruit, but also picks up on savory aspects and flora and fauna around. Polished and approachable but with a wonderfully authentic spirit of it's origin. Certainly this wine can be drunk now with a splash in the decanter, but there's plenty of life ahead of it where I think it will continue to gain complexity and nuance.