The Wine Team attended the annual Gambero Rosso’s “Tre Bicchieri” event in San Francisco this past week. There’s a bevy of amazing new releases, but you rarely stumble upon library reserve wines until we sampled the 2016 Caiarossa, Rosso di Toscana IGT (current vintage 2022). This is their top-tier flagship blend that is firing on all cylinders as we roll onto its tenth anniversary.
Founded in 1998, Caiarossa is situated in the heart of the Val di Cecina, on the Tuscan coast, 16 miles northeast of Bolgheri, home to famed producers like Saccicaia and Ornellaia. In 2004, Eric Albada Jelgersma, a Dutch entrepreneur with a great passion for wine and also the owner of Château Giscours and Château du Tertre in Margaux, Bordeaux purchased the property.
(A blend of seven grapes biodynamically farmed—42% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15.5% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4.5% Sangiovese and 1% Alicante.)
A Super Tuscan blend true worth can be measured by how it evolves with age. This 2016 sings with gorgeous, polished edges with a well-balanced core. Take the alluring spice notes and succulent dried red fruits that you will find in a Tuscan Rosso and pair that with well-integrated fine tannins that you will get from an aged Top-Growth Bordeaux. Far more elegant and balanced than most Super Tuscans found further south in Bolgheri and the Maremma for a fraction of the price (View chart below.)
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2016 Sassicaia - U.S. Retail Avg. $545.00
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2016 Ornellaia - U.S. Retail Avg. $275.00
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2016 Guado al Tasso - U.S. Retail Avg. $169.00
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2016 Caiarossa - Your Price $85.00
97 Points, James Suckling: #68 TOP 100 ITALIAN WINES OF 2019
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“Very complex aromas of crushed berries, yet the fresh herbs, dried berries, sandalwood and Spanish cedar add complexity and brightness. Full-bodied with tannins that melt into the wine. Savory.”
96 Points, Wine Advocate:
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"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 is shows a delicate level of elegance that absolutely seals the deal.”
