La Ricolma, Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano 2021

The 2021 La Ricolma is a wine of sublime elegance more than anything else. Readers will find a mid-weight, juicy Ricolma that impresses with its suave finesse more than the overt power of some years. Ripe dark plum, mocha, espresso, licorice and spice all meld together in a seamless, layered Ricolma that is all class. Soft, racy tannins wrap it all together in style. I can't wait to see how this ages. 2027-2041.

One of Italy's most cherished Merlots, the organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2021 La Ricolma is stitched carefully together with a very bright fruit note that recalls sweet cherry and crème de cassis. Those softly ripened fruit tones are followed by sweet spice and cured tobacco. The wine hits the palate with power, in part fueled by a 15% alcohol content, but it also fully envelops the senses with soft tannins and rich concentration. 2024-2045.