Winemaker Notes
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 75°F-80.6°F, with 14-18 days of skin contact. 21 months in tonneaux and barriques of which 30% are new oak and the remaining 70% are of second and third passage.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very precise and beautiful merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, lustrous finish, showing finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will improve with age. About 9,000 bottles. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
During my visit to Barone Ricasoli, Francesco Ricasoli described the 2018 vintage as challenging and 2019 as balanced. The 2018 Casalferro, made from 100% Merlot, takes on that challenge. The last vintage we saw was 2016, because this wine was not produced in the scorching hot 2017 vintage. In fact, this edition was released later than normal and the price point is higher. The bottle sports a new design. Cool-climate fruit, sourced from various sites, including one that is located 500 meters above sea level, is the Casalferro secret. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruit, spice and dried mint. This wine is drinking beautifully right now.
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Wine Spectator
A mouthfilling version, this red delivers plum, loam, cedar and sweet spice flavors. Balanced, with dense yet well-integrated tannins. Ends with notes of rosemary and thyme. Fine length. Merlot. Drink now.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.