Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2018

A very precise and beautiful merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, lustrous finish, showing finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will improve with age. About 9,000 bottles. Drink or hold.

During my visit to Barone Ricasoli, Francesco Ricasoli described the 2018 vintage as challenging and 2019 as balanced. The 2018 Casalferro, made from 100% Merlot, takes on that challenge. The last vintage we saw was 2016, because this wine was not produced in the scorching hot 2017 vintage. In fact, this edition was released later than normal and the price point is higher. The bottle sports a new design. Cool-climate fruit, sourced from various sites, including one that is located 500 meters above sea level, is the Casalferro secret. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruit, spice and dried mint. This wine is drinking beautifully right now.

A mouthfilling version, this red delivers plum, loam, cedar and sweet spice flavors. Balanced, with dense yet well-integrated tannins. Ends with notes of rosemary and thyme. Fine length. Merlot. Drink now.

Spicy oak with red fruit, blueberry and cherry aromas. The palate is gently smoky with fine tannin and a chalky minerality.

The 2010 Casalferro is 100% Merlot. Tar, licorice, smoke, iron and a host of dark nuances give the 2010 its sense of weight and gravitas. There is a lot going on in the glass in this powerful, imposing wine.