CAIAROSSA
TUSCANY, ITALY
Why Buy: The British wine site Wine Alchemy has hailed the wines of Caiarossa as "magic," and James Suckling has declared them one of his "go-to Super-Tuscans, because of their drinkability and complexity." Our recent tasting of their portfolio only reaffirmed what they and we have known for years: these wines are special. We've assembled a remarkable vertical spanning three exceptional vintages – the 96-point 2019, the 95-point 2020, and the 96-point 2021 – and we do mean exceptional: these are rich, hedonistic wines that will press all your buttons. Oh, and it gets better: this estate, launched two decades ago by the visionary owner of Château Giscours, has long represented one of the great values in Super-Tuscans, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer all 750ml bottles at 25% OFF!
What They're Saying: James Suckling dove deep into all three vintages, and has his finger (and palate) on just what makes Caiarossa so good and exciting. His assessment of the 96-point 2019 nicely captures its intensity and polish, calling it a richly “layered” wine, “full of character” and possessing “velvety … and caressing tannins." The 2020 earned 95 points for its powerful yet refined structure, with Suckling noting its "super-fine tannins" and the way it balances freshness with richness. His review of the 96-point 2021 singled out its density and texture — or, as he perfectly put it, its "velvety tannins of great extraction.” Its "refreshing natural acidity" and excellent oak integration rightly suggested to him that this is a wine with significant aging potential.
The Story: Twenty years ago, Eric Albada Jelgersma, the Dutch owner of Bordeaux classified growth Château Giscours, had a notion that the Val di Cecina — a rolling, sun-dappled patch of Tuscany that lies between the ancient cities of Volterra and Pisa, and that has captivated romantics for centuries, from the days of the Roman empire through the Renaissance and up to today — was more than a land of edenic beauty and deep historical significance. Could its terroir, with its twelve different soils and eleven grape varieties, one day produce wines of the very first rank? Purchasing a verdant and rolling plot of land and teaming with winemaker Lorenzo Pasquini — who previously held the same title at Château d’Yquem director Pierre Lurton’s esteemed Argentinian winery, Cheval des Andes — he attempted to find out. The results have been nothing short of spectacular, validating Jelgersma’s every instinct. Six years after his death, his children, Dennis, Derk and Valérie, have carried on his vision with unerring focus.
Our Tasting Notes: It takes all of a sip — in this case, a sensual and lingering sip — to know that these are wines built on biodynamic principles, and that they have been shepherded through a slow, methodical, and complex process with exceeding care. The blend of seven varieties, led by Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, creates a wine of remarkable depth and nuance. Each vintage offers its own distinct personality, while at the same time maintaining the estate's signature integration of power and finesse. The 2019 shows particular depth and complexity, while the 2020 brings a striking freshness to its rich profile. We feel strongly that the 2021, available in both 750ml and 1.5L formats, will only continue to develop and unfold over the years.
Fun Fact: Jelgersma was a passionate art collector, and among his cache of Old Masters were two portraits by the Dutch artist Frans Hals.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in GA, KS, MI, NY, & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, December 16th, 2024.