2013 Marchesi Antinori Guado al Tasso Matarocchio

This 2013 Marchesi Antinori Matarocchio is very beautiful. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, it starts with sweet dark fruit and blackberry aromas, its open nose revealing hints of violet and iris with a light herbal note. I love the fact that the aromas of the 2013 are brighter, more ethereal, and more transparent than previous vintages. On the palate there is such a beautiful texture and a weightless quality to the wine with vibrant acidity, a long finish, and beautifully integrated tannins. This wine is all about harmony! On standing in the glass, blackberry, cream and blood orange aromas and flavors reveal themselves. The 2013 Matarocchio epitomizes everything that great Cabernet Franc can be from Bolgheri - it is a wine you will want to linger over for a long time. Drink now to 2038.

Cool vintage. The grapes were sorted by hand before destemming and pressing. After fermentation in stainless steel and a 30-day maceration period, the wine then went into 60-gallon oak barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. The ageing continued for 18 months in barrel before bottling. Dark blackish crimson. Hint of white pepper. Savoury edge. Not as flattering as the 2011 at the moment; pretty tannic and dry on the end. Very youthful. A little angular and slightly simple at the moment but it will probably blossom.

The 2013 Matarocchio, 100% Cabernet Franc, is superb. Deep, sumptuous and enveloping in all of its dimensions, the 2013 captures all the best qualities of the Tuscan coast. Dark-fleshed fruit, smoke, mocha, plum, espresso and new French oak infuse this deep, fleshy wine. Sweet tannins give the wine added texture, but there is also a good bit of freshness that keeps the wine from being overly heavy. The 100% new French oak is impeccably balanced.