The epic 2012 Redigaffi (100% Merlot) shows amazing depth and a great sense of inner energy and seductive charm. The wine is soft and yielding with ripe layers of cherry, blackberry and cassis that slowly morph into savory spice, leather and tobacco. This Merlot boldly promotes its all-Italian characteristics of Mediterranean shrub and wild sage that ground the wine in a sense of place. The warm vintage has shaped soft tannins and thick, penetrating extraction that moves slowly over the palate. Give this beautiful wine a few more years to find its footing and lose its baby fat.
Tua Rita is among the most consistent producers in Tuscany. This estate offers an excellent and exciting assortment of Tuscan red wines year after year. This new set of releases shows that the wind continues to blow into the Tua Rita sails.
Wine Spectator 2015 (94 Punkte) JG 2011
Initially marked by new oak, this intense, tannic red takes time to reveal the cherry, plum floral and spice flavors. Vibrant and long, finishing with mouthcoating fruit and tannins. This is saturated with fruit, and worth the wait. Merlot. 830 cases made.–BS
Vinous Antonio Galloni 2014 (96 Punkte)
The 2012 Redigaffi jumps from the glass with explosive dark blue/blackish fruit. Rich, voluptuous and impeccably textured in the glass, the 2012 boasts massive depth and concentration, yet retains tons of freshness. Silky tannins round out a finish laced with melted road tar, herbs and leather. For such a big wine, the Redigaffi is remarkably complex and nuanced. The 2012 was aged in 100% new, thick-staved Darnajou barrels, which are seldom seen in Italy but widely used throughout Napa Valley and elsewhere. In some recent vintages I have slightly preferred the Syrah over the Redigaffi, but in 2012 the wines are both fabulous. Simply put, the 2012 Redigaffi is a stunner.
