Caiarossa 2013

• Domaine: Caiarossa
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Classification: Super Tuscan
• Origin: Tuscany, Italy
• Importer: Laguna Cellar

Caiarossa is considered a "Super Tuscan", a term used to describe red wines from Tuscany that may include the use of non-indigenous grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  Some of the well-known Super Tuscan names include Sassicaia and Solaia.  Located in Val di Cecina on the Tuscan coast, the vineyard covers 16 hectares, where a total of 11 grape varieties are planted. According to the winery, each grape is planted based on the soil type that suits it best. All are biodynamically grown. The area is about a half an hour’s drive north from the legendary region of Bolgheri, home of such top wines as Sassicaia and Masseto, but a little farther inland.  The estate produces two major labels of red wine: Pergolaia, and its eponymous Caiarossa.  Caiarossa is the predominant one.

Caiarossa has been on the wine map since 1998.  It started making world-class Super Tuscan wine since Eric Albada Jelgersma, a Dutch businessman, acquired it in 2004.  Mr. Jelgersma has owned two Grands Crus Classés in Margaux, Bordeaux, Château Giscours (Third Growth) and Château du Tertre (Fifth Growth) since 1995.  The improvement in the stature of Caiarossa is largely attributed to his bringing his Bordeaux experience to bear on a Tuscan wine already on solid foundations.

According to the property owner: "The name of Caiarossa was coined as a homage to the soil, which is characterized by the presence of jasper, rock and pebbles intensely red in color. A creative name inspired by Gaia, mother of all the gods of Mount Olympus, goddess of fertility and of Nature, of the very Earth itself."

Tasting Notes

"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. Located in Riparbella, Caiarossa is one of the protagonists of the Tuscan Coast. Farming is organic and biodynamic." - Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (11/30/2017, Interim Issue), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2017-2028

"A rich and powerful red with plenty of fruit and chewy tannins. Full body, extremely rich and flavorful. Polished and velvety tannins. A blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, sangiovese, petit verdot and alicante. Drink or hold. Better in 2020." - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (8/2017), Ratings: 95