This terrific blend of Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) shows open flavors and soft structure but also a clear capacity to improve with age. Dark fruit notes are edged with just a little whiff of toasty oak, and savory accents are at least as prominent as the wood accent. There’s plenty of tannin to provide definition to the finish, but the tannin is very fine in grain, providing a very gentle grip that doesn’t shorten the finish. Very skillfully made.
Castello di Bolgheri, Bolgheri (Tuscany, Italy) 2012
By Michael Franz