cabernet sauvignon

With Cifra, star oenologist Luca D'Attoma has vinified a wonderfully agile and elegant Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby purple in colour, with a deep aroma and notes of blackberries and liquorice. Rich fruit on the palate with firm tannins and a mineral final. A delight from the Tuscan coast from biodynamic (Demeter) cultivation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering ruby red colour. Dark and deep on the nose, of blackcurrant, blackberry, also smoky, with a hint of cinnamon. Velvety texture on the palate with concentrated fruit on tightly woven tannins right into the long finish." Falstaff

"A fresh and delicious Cabernet Franc with blackcurrant and notes of lemon blossom and light stones. It is medium-bodied and crisp with a delicious and energetic finish." James Suckling

Ampeleia is the winery's top wine and, since the 2015 vintage, has been made exclusively from Cabernet Franc from various plots planted at a cool altitude of 500 to 600 metres above sea level. A wine with personality and character, its inner elegance and fruitiness make it a fascinating interpretation of the new and different Maremma. SUPERIORE.DE

"Earthy notes dominate this wine, with leather, cocoa, dried eucalyptus leaves and restrained blackberry fruit. Dense on the palate with full body, velvety extracted tannins, intense fruit definition, black olive flavour, crisp acidity and a muscular finish." James Suckling

"Rich, deep and seductive, the 2021 offers notable textural depth married to the more savory, mineral style favored here. Lavender, mocha, plum, blackberry and gravel are some of the many notes that open over time. What a gorgeous wine this is." Vinous

Deep purple colour. Spicy Cabernet nose of herbs, fine blackberry notes, ripe cassis, some chocolate and wild raspberries. The pronounced fruit carries this monumental, single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon through to the long, fine final. The tannins provide a stable framework and give this marvellous red a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bitter herbs, bark and savoury spices to the sweet cherries and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied and slightly chewy on the palate, with grippy tannins and a medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The nose is primarily savoury, with notes of cured meat, topsoil and graphite, but undertones of sour cherries and tart berries add some verve. On the palate, the ebb and flow of earthiness and astringency continues, while hauntingtannins and lively acidity add structure to this interplay." Wine Enthusiast

Strong ruby-purple colour, the bouquet exudes clear, fresh fruit, blackcurrants and raspberries. Spicy on the palate with supple tannins, sweet melting, rich and with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, impenetrable purple-red colour with violet reflections. Multi-layered nose with cedar wood in the foreground, followed by spices with finely balanced plum. Slightly greenish on the palate with pleasant tannins, has potential." Falstaff

"Fragrant redcurrant and blueberry fruit, underlaid with mint and violets; creamy and structured with silky tannins and a refreshing finish." Decanter

A wonderfully concentrated and elegant wine that is already drinking excellently. On the nose, the typical varietal bouquet with light balsamic notes. Pleasantly straight and fine on the palate, silky and full of harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose precise of elderberries and cassis, noble note of green pepper and a hint of ivy, in the reverberation of cranberry jam and noble spice, multilayered. Balanced on the palate, with great play between fruit, spice and tannin, also very juicy, on anise in the finish, long and complex, very well done." Falstaff

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vigna San Francesco is dusty and floral in character, with peppery herbs and wildflowers giving way to masses of crushed raspberry. This is silky and refined, communicating pure elegance from the start, with a wave of ripe red and black berries that wash across the palate, leaving fine-grained tannins to linger under an air of sweet violet and rose tones. It tapers off much fresher than anticipated, and also only lightly structured, as nuances of blueberry skin linger, along with a hint of balsam herbs." Vinous

Here comes a great and completely underrated wine from the Tuscan coastal region. Tenuta Belguardo Riserva is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, with 70% of the wine aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is matured in cement barrels before being bottled. The bouquet is broad with dark fruits, spices and toasted oak that are well integrated and elegant. Fresh on the palate with still young but fine tannins, it opens up very well, with elegant, precise fruit and plenty of potential. Everything hits the right note here! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shimmering ruby colour at the core, fine rim. Elegant and multi-layered nose of dark chocolate, ripe blackberries, coffee and a touch of sealing wax. Spans the palate with a velvety texture, firm tannins, concentrated fruit and a round, long finish." Falstaff

"Sweet vanilla oak and rich blueberry fruit with herbal notes, juicy and powerful with woody notes and length." Decanter

"A perfect balance between freshness and ripeness with aromas of cassis, tobacco, pencil shavings, dark cherries and black olives on the nose. It is juicy and medium to full-bodied with fresh tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish adorned with some fine spices." James Suckling

Beautifully matured Cabernet Sauvignon that underlines its rich, fleshy fruit with graphite and liquorice aromas. Its broad, full and balanced flavour, polished tannins and fruity, elegant style build up to a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Rich pepper, cassis, cranberry, leather and undergrowth on the nose. Hearty and impetuous on the palate, stretches very powerfully over the tongue, gripping, with a rich pressure, balsamic touch and minimal dryness in the finish." Falstaff

"A vibrant, concentrated red, offering black cherry, black currant, iron, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors. Though dense, this is also fluid, with excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Olmaia has developed into a brand in its own right. The wine emphasises the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in this part of Tuscany, an area where Sangiovese is grown almost exclusively. The 2016 Sant'Antimo Cabernet Olmaia reminds us of the importance of diversity in a monoculture, which allows us to better understand the potential of a growing area. This wine has a dark colour and a dense concentration of colour. It is certainly broad and full-bodied, but it transcends the senses with nuanced grace. Black and purple fruits segue into earthy tobacco, cured leather and dark spices. These flavours are particularly finely tuned in this classic vintage." Wine Advocate

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

The vines of this fascinating cuvée grow on deep, loose moraine soil. Dark garnet red to the eye. Intense bouquet of flowers and black berries. The body of this cuvée is well structured, with blackberry, blackcurrant, a little tobacco and a hint of tar. Fine tannins lead into a long and juicy finish. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark core and fine rim. Elegant, dark bouquet of blackcurrant, with a hint of paprika and fine wood spice. Velvety on the palate, firm tannins, precise fruit and a long finish." Falstaff

"This is a creamy and spicy red blend that has plums, vanilla, chocolate, oranges and mint on the nose, as well as some smoked paprika. It is medium to full-bodied, rich yet bright, with powdery tannins." James Suckling

"The 2021 Linticlarus Cuvèe Riserva is unobtrusive and restrained. A bouquet slowly rises from the glass, combining sage and orange shavings with redcurrants and a hint of white smoke. This juicy and round wine has a core of lively acidity that perfectly balances the depth of ripe raspberry and blueberry fruit, while silty tannins gather towards the end. On the long and structured final, the 2021 leaves behind a primary concentration as a bitter hint of tart blackberry fades." Vinous

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Inviting aroma of ripe cherry, plum and spice. Juicy and fruity on the palate, present, fine-meshed tannins, lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 "60 20 20" (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot) pours from the glass with a dark blend of blackcurrants, lavender, chalk dust and fresh tobacco leaves. It is round and supple, with ripe wild berries and sweet spices balanced by zesty acidity. It leaves a layer of fine tannins and finishes with nuances of mocha, savoury herbs and white pepper. The "60 20 20" will need patience to show its best side." Vinous

"A little closed on the nose, but the palate shows a very pure redcurrant and berry character, along with chewy tannins that dominate the finish for now. This wine needs a year or two to open up and mature. It will gain complexity with age." James Suckling

1997 saw the birth of Bradisismo, named after the geological event that led to the formation of the Colli Berici. It is a successful symbiosis of the intense, concentrated flavour of ripe Cabernet cherries and the lively, spicy notes of Carménère. With its bouquet of small dark berries, spices, pepper and chocolate, it is a wonderfully inexpensive alternative to the great Bordeaux blends or Supertuscans. On the palate, it has a velvety texture, with a mix of dark fruits, cherries, floral notes and fine tannins that glide seamlessly over the palate. Deep, long finish and very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cassis and framboise through a matrix of dried oregano, tarragon and dried mushrooms. The fruit is perfectly moulded and cut by the acidity of the ripe tomato with a hint of cool, sharp spice from the tomato vine. Powerful but very refined tannins. Long and secure." Jancis Robinson

"Shows pure, juicy aromas of ripe blackcurrant, layered with pretty accents of violets, tar, ground coffee, wild sage and fine-grained tannins. Concentrated and creamy on the palate, with notes of fresh earth and forest floor that lend the fruit a savoury note on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Inama 2020 Colli Berici Cabernet Bradisismo is something special, and not just because of its unusual grape blend. It is a full-bodied and particularly accessible red wine that offers great versatility and plenty of potential for pairing with other dishes. This vintage shows a soft ripeness of both grape varieties with a rich, full-bodied texture. The finish is savoury with a hint of pepper." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cabernet Bradisismo is dusty and floral in the glass with vibrant wild berries complemented by nuances of rose, sage and graphite. It has a soft texture and a pleasant feel with a blend of tart red berries and sweet spice enlivened by zesty acidity. A hint of fine tannins and a touch of black liquorice linger on the finish, which is lightly structured and spicy. It's a warm vintage, but the balance here is great." Vinous

"In the glass with aromas of crushed blackberries, Marasca cherries in liquor, crushed red and blue flowers, cedar and mixed spices. Bold flavors pop on the palate but are restrained by an elegant mix of tannin, acidity and savory elements that do not want to let loose just yet." Wine Enthusiast

"A historic bottle, now in its 20th year. Cabernet, with a significant proportion of Carmenère, cranberries and pepper leaves on the nose, a hint of undergrowth, a touch of orange peel, a spicy drink, with a citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

"An almost balanced blend of Cabernet and Carmenere, with an increasing proportion of Merlot and Franc. Purple vibrancy. Spread of green olives. Chilli, mint, dark chocolate and dense boysenberry confectionery. And yet the flavour, although full-bodied, is incredibly spicy. The oak is a seductive frame that blends effortlessly with the wine's density and modern, forward style. This wine is strongly reminiscent of a Bordeaux, with an added measure of finesse and richness." James Suckling

1997 saw the birth of Bradisismo, named after the geological event that led to the formation of the Colli Berici. It is a successful symbiosis of the intense, concentrated flavour of ripe Cabernet cherries and the lively, spicy notes of Carménère. With its bouquet of small dark berries, spices, pepper and chocolate, it is a wonderfully inexpensive alternative to the great Bordeaux blends or Supertuscans. On the palate, it has a velvety texture, with a mix of dark fruits, cherries, floral notes and fine tannins that glide seamlessly over the palate. Deep, long finish and very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections and a brightening rim. Intense aromas of blackcurrant, some rosemary and dark chocolate on the nose, underpinned by paprika flavours. Very dense on the palate, juicy and with present tannins, ending with spice flavours in the finish." Falstaff

"A dusting of autumnal spice, shavings of cedar and rose petal gives way to redcurrant as the 2021 Cabernet Bradisismo slowly evolves in the glass. This floods the palate with silky textures and a mix of ripe red and blue fruit that swirls across a stream of vibrant acidity. This tapers off long and staining yet only gently tannic, with a raspberry tinge and hints of dark chocolate. In 2021, the blend is 46% Carménère, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc." Vinous

"Restrained cassis, smoke, graphite and leather. Elegant attack with light extraction, a medium to full body, crisp acidity and a good finish that shows graphite minerality and dark chocolate. Ripe tannins and overall harmony." James Suckling

"As the wine develops in the glass it is like a vortex of red, blue and black fruits so pure you feel that you are picking them. Savory and sweet spices awake the senses as subtle black tea notes waft by. Elegant tannins that guide the plum and cherry flavors across the palate will cause involuntary smiles, while notes of tobacco, graphite and turned earth increase the depth of the wine." Wine Enthusiast

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful aromas of currants and fresh herbs with some green coffee bean. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins and a flavourful finish. Needs time to mellow and come together." James Suckling

"The 2019 Maestro Raro is impressive. Dark, layered and striking in its completeness, the Maestro Raro is endowed with tremendous depth and sheer resonance. Black cherry, plum, menthol, liquorice, spice and grilled herbs give the 2019 considerable depth." Vinous

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro is a lovely expression with deep layers of dark fruit and savory spice that are woven tightly together to form a solid core of primary and secondary flavors. This vintage is especially tight and concentrated, showing terrific balance and freshness and impeccable fruit ripeness that is generous and full. There are no green elements in this vintage. Instead, the fruit is beautifully rich and velvety." Wine Advocate

For Camalaione, owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Viganò blend Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, an approach that works very well here. The 2018 is wonderfully seductive, even if it is still very closed at first. Deep dark fruits, spices, new leather, liquorice, menthol and dried herbs emerge with a little time in the glass. Silky and smooth, with a medium-weight structure, it is absolutely stunning. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich cassis, dark cherries, some tapenade and dusty cocoa powder add a degree of richness and complexity to the subtle flavours of rhubarb and damp leaves. The palate is full-bodied and flavourful, with a salty note in the fruit and a long, complex finish. Lots of sea salt chocolate on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Camalaione is a great wine, obviously quite atypical given the Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah blend, but compelling nonetheless. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and grilled herbs saturate the palate in a wine of stunning depth and textural intensity. A real stunner." Vinous

Fantastic Cabernet that reflects the first-class terroir of its Umbrian homeland in the most beautiful way. Deep, dark red in colour, with an incredibly fruity aroma of black berries, the finest spice aromas and a hint of toasted bread. Very concentrated and dense on the palate, lots of finesse and elegance, the new wood perfectly integrated, wonderful sweetish fruit extract, soft, juicy tannins and a brilliant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby red, only very slight garnet-coloured rim brightening, almost impenetrable. Compact, elegant nose, ripe cherry fruit, coffee beans and Mediterranean herbs. Juicy on the palate, lots of marzipan, builds up a lot of pressure, ripe tannins with refreshing acidity, lingering final characterised by fruit and wood spice, lots of future potential." Falstaff

"The rose-tinged bouquet impresses with dusty black currants, fresh mint, lavender and stone dust. This is decidedly soft and round with plush textural fruits and juicy acidity, propelling black raspberry and cherry notes across the palate. Its structure comes in late, coating the palate through the finale. Fine-grain tannins add a push and pull of tension as hints of salted licorice and currant fade." Vinous

Classic Super Tuscan made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot matured in French oak. In its very dense violet-red colour, clear fruity notes and a highly enticing hint of candied lemons inspire. The flavour is very harmonious, rich and powerful, the tannins perfectly integrated, the spicy final beautifully persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and brooding, the 2021 Le Stanze del Poliziano grumbles up with an array of grilled herbs and exotic spices before giving way to dusty black currant notes. This is silken in texture yet racy and spry, with polished red fruit tones that slowly saturate as hints of licorice and a tinge of sour citrus add lovely contrast. The 2021 tapers off with tremendous length and structure, leaving sweet tannins and a bitter blackberry concentration that pinches at the cheeks with youthful tension. Le Stanze del Poliziano comes across as very classic in feel." Vinous

Volpolo is the highly elegant second wine from the up-and-coming Bolgheri winery Podere Sapaio. Spicy notes on the nose, full, long and intense flavour with silky tannins and restrained refinement. A more than respectable representative of the noble Tuscan region with an excellent value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Restrained brambleberries with licorice root, slightly leafy eucalyptus and integrated graphite. Full body with elegant, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a tight-knit structure. Power and extraction here, but a good, toasty finish with a sweet-tobacco aftertaste. One of the best examples of 2022." James Suckling

The dark, seductive Cabernet Franc Poggio de' Colli takes its time in the glass and slowly awakens with a blend of redcurrants, peppery roses, exotic curries and a slight hint of musk that lends it gravitas. Velvety soft yet refined. Aristocratic and cool on the palate, with a powerful wave of tart raspberry fruit that feeds the palate with savoury spices and mineral notes. Leaves a layer of fine tannins and a hint of berry concentration on the final, which tapers off savoury, long and perfectly balanced. A radiant wine that will only reveal its full beauty in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Long before Franc became modern, this was already a single-varietal: nose of eucalyptus and blackcurrants, also undergrowth and fine spice; pithy in the mouth, the tannins robust, lots of fruit and herbal notes on the finish." Vinum

"Bright, rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. On the nose, cassis, ripe blackberries and rich plums, with a leathery background and forest floor flavour. Well-integrated tannins on the palate, juicy, with precise fruit and a long, elegant final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Poggio de Colli is breathtaking. It is consistently peppery and floral, with masses of crushed strawberries and raspberries, flavoured with tangerine peel. It impresses with its wiry texture, balanced by tantalising acidity. A core of tart wild berries unfolds on the palate, underscored by salty minerals and a hint of citrus. Fine-grained tannins emerge on the finish, while the 2021 finishes savoury yet fresh, leaving the mouth watering despite its structure and intensity. This is a mature vintage for the Poggio de Colli, but nevertheless a marvellous Cabernet Franc that will pay off in the cellar." Vinous

Deep ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Dense and intense aroma of red fruits with notes of leather, earth, spices and minerals, with a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. Full-bodied on the palate, well-defined tannins supported by a dense structure, leading to a long-lasting and very smooth final. A Bordeaux blend in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Burdese is a straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) that doesn't impose. The wine is soft on the palate with medium-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plum, soft earth and leather. The tannins are immediate and soft." Wine Advocate

"This Bordeaux blend shows berries, fresh herbs such as parsley and a hint of vanilla. It has a medium to full body with medium round tannins and a juicy finish. Very enjoyable now, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Dusty dried flowers, crushed rock, graphite and red plums form a dark, seductive bouquet when the 2018 Burdese reveals itself in the glass. The palate is lapped by soft textures contrasted by a core of tart wild berries. Mineral tones slowly saturate. A web of fine tannins lends it youthful composure, nicely balanced by a hint of sour citrus, while the 2018 tapers off for a long time and yet displays wonderful balance." Vinous

"The nose is dark and rich, yet also layered and subtle, with both heavy aromas of petrol and tar and juicier notes of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate. The figs and chocolate carry the palate, though wild herbs and bitter orange give buoyancy. Tannins are unyielding, while acid is more discreet but still perceptible." Wine Enthusiast