Purplish tinge in the glass. Aromas of cloves, generous bramble fruit and dried eucalyptus. The attack is firm and dense, with a full body and velvety tannins of great extraction on the mid-palate and refreshing natural acidity. Good integration of oak at the end. Potential for the long haul, but drinkable in one to two years.

2021 was a demanding but ultimately rewarding vintage in much of Tuscany, with a warm March encouraging an early budbreak. The summer was hot and dry, with some welcome rain arriving in early September. Warm and sunny days returned for harvest. This is a wine with great potential but at this stage it is still quite closed. ‘We do very little racking to avoid oxygen during ageing,’ states general manager Jérôme Poisson. With time in the glass, fleshy black and blue fruit aromas and flavours emerge, along with hints of Mediterranean scrub. Velvety tannins keep a tight grip, while the fruit sapidity is underlined by a lovely vein of salinity and a ferrous twist. Long and poised, some savoury, earthy elements make themselves known on the finish. 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Grenache, each vinified separately before blending and ageing for around 14 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. (Drink between 2025-2046)

This is a vintage that shows the successful evolution in this wine, with generous brambled raspberry, pomegranate, rosemary, underbrush, olive, anis, cocoa and grilled rosemary. There is intensity to the flavours, plenty of Tuscan sunshine, with excellent integration of the tannins, and a bounce of fresh acidities. Jerome Poisson as winemaker, AJ Domaines owner. Harvest September 2 to 21. Axel Marchal and Valerie Lavigne consultants. As an aside, I hesitated about the score. When tasted with the September Releases over the summer, I gave it 94 points, but in this vertical with other vintages of Caiarossa it came out at 95. It would be easy to drop the score down for consistency, but I am keeping it at 95, and will retaste after a few years in bottle to reassess. Held back for 12 months in bottle after ageing, 33% new oak.

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 and darkly concentrated appearance with pretty richness and deep color saturation. These 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 it is bulky, and that quality adds a sense of lasting elegance. Aging in oak included 30% new wood for 14 months. - Monica Larner

Dense and concentrated, this red is packed with black currant, blackberry and plum fruit, while iron, wild herb and oak spice notes add detail. Assertive tannins and vibrant acidity provide support, bringing a sense of equilibrium overall. There's fine depth to the dark fruit flavors, plus a terrific aftertaste that really persists. Shows power and grace. Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Grenache. Best from 2027 through 2045. 2,400 cases made, 800 cases imported.

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. -- Antonio Galloni