2010 Duemani

Hugely attractive, pure and direct with chalky cassis, a hint of red bell pepper and fine oak. Supple, racy dark fruit lined with loads of powdery tannins. Totally convincing. (WS)

Very dark crimson. Strongly aromatic and varietal. Sweet and round and shimmering on the palate. This is Cabernet Franc in a warm climate. But it's well balanced and the oak is not evident. A slightly cinnamon note. Vibrant and tense on the end. But still quite a bit of tannin… Needs a bit of time but it's a refreshing change from the Bordeaux blends that predominate. (JR)

Readers will have to be patient with the 2010 Duemani, as the wine is backward and unexpressive. At the same time the finesse in the tannins and sheer nuance of the fruit are impossible to miss. The 2010 is creamy, rich, expressive and varietally true from start to finish. Firm yet well-integrated tannins and brisk acidity give the wine its pure, mouth-watering intensity. The 2010 is distinguished by its superb energy and fabulous overall balance. This is a drop-dead gorgeous wine from Duemani. The 2010 spent 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.