2011 - Redigaffi, Tua Rita, Toscana

The estate's 2011 Redigaffi was just bottled, but it doesn't seem to be showing any reticence at all. Smoke, tar and incense all add a dimension of exoticism as this voluptuous, textured Merlot shows off its personality. Layers of fruit build to a creamy, resonant finish. There is a lot to look forward to here.

This scorching-hot vintage saw the growth cycle start 15 days early, and that time gap continued all the way through to the harvest. The Tua Rita 2011 Redigaffi is a mature and darkly concentrated Merlot with a strong smoky element. Dark fruit and pressed blackberry are followed by toasted spice, hot asphalt, dried sage and campfire ash. There is an aroma that reminds me of rain hitting a hot summer pavement. On the palate, this 2011 expression offers ample muscle power and fleshy concentration.