2017 Uccelliera Rapace

Uccelliera's 2017 Rapace is the most fruit-forward of the three vintages I tasted in this mini vertical (consisting of 2015, 2016 and 2017). This makes perfect sense given the scorching hot and dry conditions of this growing season. Rapace is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak for 18 months. The wine delivers ripe and dark fruit, with a subtle dusting of crushed mineral that becomes more prominent as the wine takes on air in the glass. However, it is a bit thinner and shorter compared to the other vintages I tasted at the same time. Due to the difficulties of the vintage, production was reduced to 9,600 bottles. Those bottles were filled in July 2019 and were released in January 2020.