2021 Caiarossa

A wine that builds slowly and carefully through the palate. Hedgerow raspberry, with juice and bracken, iris flowers, not too sweet, good quality, carefully constructed, well balanced, juicy finish, edges of cocoa dusting, pomegranate, raspberry, fine but firm tannins, clear edges of spice add depths and interest, with underbrush giving an Italian edge. First vintage with Jerome Poisson as winemaker, AJ Domaines owner. Harvest September 2 to 21. The blend of grapes below is completed by 2% Grenache.

The 2021 Caiarossa is an elegant, sophisticated red. Crushed flowers, spice, blood orange and pomegranate open first. Pliant and medium in body, with terrific energy, the 2021 has much to offer. It’s energy and overall persistence are notable. Bright saline notes support the vibrant finish.

The organic and biodynamic Caiarossa 2021 Caiarossa is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Grenache, in descending order of importance. It shows a velvety, darkly concentrated appearance with lovely richness and deep color saturation. The results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine’s freshness that seems to shine from its core. The mouthfeel is more streamlined than bulky, and that quality adds a sense of lasting elegance. Aging in oak included 30% new wood for 14 months. Production is 37,700 bottles.