The Caiarossa 2019 Caiarossa is a complex blend featuring Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante from vineyard sites across this beautiful property in the high hills off the Tuscan coast. This organic and biodynamic wine is full and generous to the palate, yet it never feels heavy or too extracted. The wine is balanced and fresh with thick layers of dark fruit, crushed stone, tobacco and exotic spice.

Everything about this wine is seamless. It cannot shake off its French mould, but this goes further than just imitation. Gorgeous nose of oak, black fruit and cassis building a real unity. Velvet-like, cool and supple on the palate and effortlessly elegant while generous too. Stony, mineral fruit on the finish. This vintage comes close to the most prestigious of Bolgheri at a far more advantageous price tag. Caiarossa shines a light on the unjustly unknown terroir of Riparbella. Keep this at least for another year for it to show its potential. (WS)

Harvested slightly later than usual, 6–30 September. A blend of 26% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Sangiovese and 2% Grenache. Peppery with red-cherry fruit and oily brambles, there is a high-toned note very typical of Tuscan reds. The tannins are chalky, softening to a lightly powdery texture with positively zesty acidity set against fleshy red fruits. Hints of darker plum tones come through on the finish. Ample power but matched by freshness. (TP)