Caiarossa 2020

95 pts, James Suckling

Caiarossa's 2020 vintage, an IGT Toscana Rosso blend led by Cabernet Franc and Syrah, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and a touch of Grenache rounding it out. A wet spring gave way to a dry, cool summer, and a late August rain brought the vines back to life right before harvest, leaving the grapes gently and evenly ripened. Each parcel was picked by hand over about three weeks, fermented separately in concrete and wood, then blended after malolactic fermentation and aged 14 months in barrique, 30 percent of it new oak.

Expect dried cherries and plum skin, spiced chocolate, lilac, walnut shell, and a mineral streak of wet stone. Full and structured on the palate, with fine tannins and real freshness underneath the richness. James Suckling scored it 95 points, matching Vinous, with Robert Parker at 94. Rich and flavorful, built for a hearty dinner.