Lodovico 2011 75cl

A firm, sexy red with minerals, blackberries and rose petals. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and an intense finish. So long. The hot-stone character and ripe fruit go on for minutes here. The most complex, refined Lodvoico ever. 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. Needs time to soften: better in 2016.

Mostly Cabernet Franc with small quantities of Petit Verdot, the 2011 Lodovico is a monument to a man. This is the newest edition to Lodovico Antinori’s Biserno portfolio and the results are just as burly, extravagant and sophisticated as the man behind the bottle. This canvas is covered in large brush strokes of cigar ash, dark fruit, tobacco and dark chocolate. It sports very wide shoulders and a muscular build that is supported by a firming tannic structure. This wine should be put aside in your cellar for a decade or longer. <br/><br/>I was able to spend an afternoon with Lodovico Antinori recently at his beautiful estate in Bibbona (just a stone’s throw from the Bolgheri municipality line). This is a magical place with softly rolling hills that stand at a slightly taller incline on this part of the Tuscan coast. Shining luminosity from the sky and reflected off the surface of the Mediterranean sea flood the landscape with golden sunshine. The property, planted to Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, is impeccably manicured. Michel Rolland is consultant in the winery. Lodovico has big plans for his estate, including an underground, gravity-flow winery. The architectural designs are set, but ground on the new project is not broken yet. His property has 47 hectares of vines that are ten years old. The young age of the plants is still a factor in hotter years (like 2011), where the wines tend to show overripe nuances. <br/>

Polished and harmonious, with black currant, black cherry, licorice, herb and vanilla flavors. Concentrated and intense, with a sense of elegance. Offers a fine, saturating finish. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2016 through 2027. 500 cases made.