2018 - Colore, Bibi Graetz, Toscana

The Bibi Graetz 2018 Colore has fruit from Lamole, Vincigliata, Siena and Bagno a Ripoli from sites at 400 meters above sea level. These higher-elevation plots, plus especially the Lamole fruit, add beautiful perfumes and freshness to the blend. This wine has it all, but compared to some of the younger vintages tasted in this vertical, the intensity is taken down a little lower in the 2018. This translates to fine tannins and a mid-weight mouthfeel. This wine is more immediate and perhaps a bit understated at this point in its evolution.

90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Colorino. A mild, stable vintage across Tuscany with few extreme weather incidents. Sunny and dry around harvest with cool nights and no heat spikes. Vintage started end September, finished mid October. Graetz explained that there was no green harvest, now favouring letting the vine find its own equilibrium. Very restrained and pure on both the nose and palate, this is extremely youthful but will evolve into a fine Colore. Manages to be both soft in texture yet with plenty of structure for the long-haul. Dark, bitter-cherry notes mingle with an intriguing note of dark soy sauce, as well as violet and fresh pine on the nose. Great freshness and length on the finish. (AH)