2015 Bibi Graetz Testamatta
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Tasting notes
The Bibi Graetz 2015 Testamatta represents a new approach. This is when Bibi decided that he wanted to lighten up extraction and richness in his wines. He focused his attention on farming in order to produce more transparency and brightness in his wine by reducing stresses on the plants. The 2015 growing season was a hot year that produced picture-perfect clusters. Tasted today, this wine shows some tertiary character and hints of mild oxidation.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A fantastic wine, takes what you think about Super Tuscans and turns it on its head - this is an IGT Toscana label from a cult name with a high price tag, and yet instead of over-concentration and oak you get finesse, nuance, jewel-like cherry colour and clarity of flavour, rippled through wih orange peel, raspberry, red cherry, finesse, wih juicy but structured tannins. An excellent vintage overall, with a dry sunny summer and September, allowing a harvest that stretched from September 28 to November 2. This was the first year when Bibi began expanding the vineyard, sourcing more old vines and moving towards the six vineyard sites that he uses today. You can wait with this wine, but it is definitely in the sweet spot for beginning to drink. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged in oak casks and neutral barrels for 20 months.
A stunning wine. This is the best Testamatta ever made. Fascinating aromas of red fruits, tea, bark and wet soil as well as fresh leather. Full body, silky tannins and a juicy finish. I love the tension and texture of this great red. So gorgeous to taste now but better in 2021.
About the producer
Based just outside Florence, Bibi Graetz is something of a maverick in the Tuscan wine scene. Working with old vineyards of indigenous grapes around Chianti, he produces intense wines classified as IGT Toscana; not fitting neatly in either the Super Tuscan or Chianti camp.