2020, Caiarossa, TOSCANA, Italy, organic wine

Blend: 28% cabernet franc, 23% syrah, 18% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot, 13% sangiovese, 4% petit verdot, 1% grenache.

Caiarossa was acquired by Eric Albada Jelgersma, who also owns Château Giscours, a Grand Cru Classé in Margaux. This estate has a more innovative mindset than many other Tuscan wine producers as the team there has been working biodynamically since 2001 and has organised the winery according to Feng Shui principles to create greater harmony within its wine production processes.

Combines the structure of the Bordeaux varieties and the generous welcome of Tuscany, here translating into dark fruits that soften to delicious toasted spices, and plenty of liquorice, cloves, incense and underbrush. This was the warmest vintage since 1800, with harvest from the end of August until September 22, but the concentration of the vintage is mitigated by plenty of acidity. Excellent structure, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable, precise and well made wine, with a kick of eucalyptus freshness on the finish, along with fragrant spices. Jerome Poisson winemaker, 31ha of vines, owned by AJ Domaines. 30% new oak. Axel Marchal consultant. Vinified in a mix of concrete and wooden tanks, then barrel ageing followed by a year in bottle before release. 94 Jane Anson.

The 2020 Caiarossa is the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever. Rich, deep and yet not at all heavy, the 2020 offers up an exotic mélange of dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, new leather and incense. All the elements are so nicely balanced. 95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

This is aromatic with dried cherries and plum skins as well as spiced chocolate, lilacs, walnut shell and nutmeg. Some wet stones, too. It’s full, structured and wide on the palate with super-fine tannins. It’s powerful but not heavy with freshness and crunchiness. Shows intensity and richness. Give it time. Made from biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Try from 2026. 95 James Sucking.

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035