Dark and imposing, the 2016 Carmignano Riserva Trefiano smolders up from the glass, with rich plums giving way to crushed violets, stone dust, hints of tobacco and saddle leather. An opulent wave of velvety textures floods the entire palate with ripe red and black fruits, leaving a saturation of minerals and grippy tannins in its wake. This is potent, long and structured; yet the balance is on point, as notes of hard red candies and hints of licorice fade. The 2016 Trefiano is quite a wine. This is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Caniolo that spends eighteen months refining in medium-toast tonneaux, half new and half second pass.

Opening like a veritable spice box, the 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana entices with its autumnal blend of allspice, clove, and star anise before giving way to steeped plums and sage. It’s silky and refined, with supple textures and ripe red and blue fruits that swirl across a stream of vibrant acidity. It leaves a pleasantly chewy sensation while finishing with fine-grained tannins and a staining of primary concentration. Wait a full minute and hints of white pepper still linger. Wow. While richer than usual and easier to appreciate out of the gate, the 2020 is balanced for a long and steady evolution.

100% Sangiovese; fermented and aged in barrique. Bright, deep ruby red; aromas of black cherry, black plum and bay leaf. Medium-full, this displays very ripe, forward black fruit, ample wood notes, good acidity, medium-full tannins and very good persistence. This is a modern-styled Tuscan red that favors power over finesse. Perhaps time will help; the wine is well made. Peak in 7-10 years.

The 2018 Carmignano Riserva Trefiano opens slowly in the glass with a mix of red plums and balsam herbs. Coaxing unlocks depths of eucalyptus, mint and wild strawberries. This is velvety smooth, yet not weighty. Instead, the 2018 seems to hover across the palate with textural red and black fruits giving way to savory spices toward the close. The finish is long and potent, with fine-grained tannins penetrating deeply as cedar and tobacco notes slowly fade. The 2018 Trefiano is just an infant today; it needs extensive cellaring to unlock its full potential.

The Capezzana estate has been in the hands of the Conte Contini Bonacossi family over five generations (the ancient property was originally founded in 804).  The estate is located 12 miles west of Florence in the Carmignano sub-zone, one of the oldest recognized wine producing areas in Tuscany.  Ancient Etruscan artifacts show that grapevines were cultivated in the region over 3,000 years ago.  Villa de Capezzana is the estate’s flagship wine.  Crafted from 80% Sangiovese grapes and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is deliciously rich and appetizingly savory.  Its suggestions of citrus and mushroomy aromas lead to subtle mixed berry and cherry flavors backed by touches of earthiness and salinity.  The overall impression is one of both power and finesse.  The grapes were organically grown.  

The 2013 Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva is captivating, as dusty sweet florals, incense and dried tangerine evolve to enriching notes of hazelnuts, coffee grinds and candied ginger. This speaks more in whispers than shouts, with a seductive mix of pure, silky textures, ripe apricots, almond paste and salty minerals that complete this lovely and sensual expression. There’s unbelievable length, as a repeating menagerie of dried orchard and tropical fruits, as well as hints of butterscotch and sweet herbs, resonates. This wine is a labor of love, and it’s a gorgeous Vin Santo.

Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo make up the Tenuta di Capezzana 2016 Carmignano Riserva Trefiano. This expression shows poise and balance with dark fruit, leather, spice and tobacco. Fruit from a classic vintage has shaped a wine with classic lines. The blended reds of Carmignano offer distinctive richness and dark fruit intensity. This wine faithfully mirrors that sense of place. Dusty mineral notes appear on the close.

A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from the small Tuscan DOCG of Carmignano, matured for 12-16 months in a blend of tonneaux and botti. Concentrated and spicy, it's full of perfumed dried fruits and violets, with dusty notes of tobacco and earth on the finish.