Ca' Marcanda 2008 75cl

All the components are integrated in this young, fleshy red. Vanilla and toast notes from the oak frame cherry and black currant fruit. Harmonious and sophisticated, with a fresh, vibrant finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2023. 300 cases imported. –BS

The 2008 Camarcanda emerges from the glass with smoke, scorched earth, grilled herbs, black cherries and menthol. The aromas and flavors build beautifully towards a long finish framed by firm yet well-integrated tannins. The 2008 shows excellent balance in a fresh, vibrant style that is made relatively approachable because of the wine’s mid-weight structure. That said, the wine shows more and more freshness as it sits in the glass and may be headed for a period of dormancy. Magari is 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc that spends 18 months in French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. These new releases from Angelo Gaja’s Maremma property are quite successful. That said, it is interesting to note that Ca’Marcanda (the winery) is one of the few properties in Maremma to place such a high emphasis on Merlot, which is the main grape in all three of the estate’s reds. Because of that, these wines aren’t as differentiated as those of neighboring properties. By now, I think it is also quite clear that, with few exceptions, Merlot is an excellent component in Maremma wines, but rarely the most exciting leading player.