Tua Rita Redigaffi 2021 (750ml)
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Description
Tua Rita's Redigaffi is a Merlot from southwestern Tuscany, a region where the varietal finds expression quite unlike its reputation elsewhere. This is the 2021 vintage, a wine still settling into itself but already showing the refinement and structure that distinguish serious Merlot from the casual.
The 2021 opens with aromas of red and black fruit, black olives, cardamom, nutmeg, and hints of tar and meat. On the palate, it's full-bodied yet controlled, with silky tannins that move across the tongue with grace and purpose. Black cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, and menthol layer through the wine, giving it considerable depth and nuance. The tannins are fine and elegant rather than aggressive, and the overall character is dense and expansive without heaviness. This is a young wine with all the components in place for a long future, best approached after a few years of bottle age.
Expert Reviews
Owner Stefano Frascolla describes 2019 as 'a dream vintage' and describes how the vines 'underwent all the stages of their phenolic development at the optimum times.' For me, the 2019 Redigaffi is a wine of sublime harmony and balance and it reminds me very much of the 2016. It is absolutely brimming with ripe black cherry, cream and blackcurrant flavours encased in compact, super-fine tannins that are firm yet so elegant and refined. Energetic and vivacious in character, it is still not completely formed but has all the ingredients for a great future.
Wow. The aromas are really something else with red fruits, black olives, spices like cardamon and nutmeg, as well as hints of tar and meat. It’s full-bodied yet in check and focus with fine, fine tannins that roll over the palate and create beautiful motion. Chewy yet silky and endless. A great young merlot and one of the best for a number of years. Try after 2028.
Putting aside the thrashing Merlot got from Hollywood, there is in fact good reason to be skeptical of Merlot thanks to its general mistreatment from winemakers far and wide, apart from the heaviest of heavy hitters who made a few expressions that became the ultimate exceptions to the rule. But I always love an underdog story, and I love Merlot from southwest Tuscany, especially Redigaffi.