Simon first became aware of this estate when the 2009 was released and we subsequently offered it in June 2013. A recent chance to revisit the impressive 2009 (which if you happen to have any in your reserve, is drinking superbly) compelled us to taste the most recent release from Tuscany’s outstanding 2013 vintage. We are offering the 2013 Caiarossa at £180 per 6 bottle case in bond.
Caiarossa is situated in Val di Cecina, which lies just to the north of Bolgheri. Val di Cecina is a beautiful region right on the coastline with vineyards at altitudes between 150-250 metres above sea level. Founded in 1998, the estate was acquired in 2004 by Eric Albada Jelgersma, a Dutch entrepreneur who owns Châteaux Giscours and du Tertre in Margaux. The purchase of Caiarossa has proven a clever move in diversification.
Caiarossa is a complicated blend by anyone’s standards – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Alicante all feature. Despite the role of so many non-indigenous varieties in the blend, Caiarossa is unmistakably Italian. It offers a generous, complex fruit, with appealing ripe cherry, all enlivened by a bright, distinctly Tuscan acidity. I agree with Monica Larner’s comment below: no one grape variety is in the ascendancy here, although I sense some of the mouth-watering red fruit vibrancy that is so typical of Sangiovese to the finish. Our preferred critic for Italian wines, Antonio Galloni, is yet to taste, although his notes on other vintages have praised the progression at the estate. Galloni recently commented that he continues ‘to be impressed with the overall quality at Caiarossa’ and cites the efforts of consultant oenologist, Luca d’Attoma, as being key in driving the quality forwards.
I am impressed by how the style of this wine has evolved. When we first offered the 2009 we tasted various back-vintages and felt the 2009 showed huge strides forward. Now tasting the 2013, I think it is clear that there is fine poise and refinement on show, making this fascinating wine to offer.
2013 Caiarossa
94 points, Monica Larner, robertparker.com
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
This is a gorgeous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Alicante. The 2013 Caiarossa struts its stuff with a soft, velvety mouthfeel and beautiful aromatic intensity. This vintage is complete and generous on all fronts. The bouquet opens slowly and seductively with dark fruit and dried cherry. Those primary aromas segue to spice, smoked cedar and bitter chocolate. You don't get a clear sense of any one variety, but this blend of seven grapes offers power, structure, intensity and textural richness nonetheless. Drink 2017-2028.
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