Peter Maude Fine Wines

2018, Caiarossa, TOSCANA, Italy, organic wine

$108

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot.

The personality of this estate has become better established over the past few years, and this is an enjoyable vintage. Complex and juicy, slate minerality, it has a seriously Mediterranean bouquet - meaning underbrush, dried herbs, raspberry puree, saffron, sage, aniseed. Rewards taking your time in the glass, because the flavour strands need a moment to unwind. Certified organic, and the long-term agroforestry project, with trees planted among the vineyards is the traditional way of planting here rather than a new initiative. Tuscan estate located in the Maremma and owned by the Albada family of Château Giscours, Jerome Poisson winemaker. A number of different soils and exposures that add complexity, as do the seven grape varieties, a mix of Bordeaux and Italy. 30% new oak, then back in concrete tanks for 4 months before release. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter.

This is extremely perfumed with violets, sage, lavender, currants and berries. Fresh and vivid. Medium-to full-bodied with super refined tannins and fruit. So subtle and refined. This is really long and gorgeous. Goes on for minutes. A change in style from past vintages and I like it. 30% syrah, 30% cabernet franc, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot 7% petit verdot and 5% sangiovese. From organically grown grapes. So hard not to drink now, but better after 2023. 96 James Suckling.

Tasted as an unfinished sample, the Caiarossa 2018 Caiarossa offers great insight into the forward-looking trajectory and the solid quality record of this gem of an estate on the Tuscan Coast. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante, with the saturated and dark fruit aromas of the Cabernet grapes in pole position. A deep core of black fruit is backed by exotic spice, tar and sweet liquorice at the back. The finest work here is to the tannins, which (like in the preview 2019 sample I also tasted) remain very smooth and taut, giving the wine an elegant but determined backbone. 95 Monica Larner, Wine Advocate.

Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032

You may also like

Recently viewed