The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Azienda Agricola Tua Rita Redigaffi 1997 75clIGT | Suvereto | Tuscany | ItalySold outSize 75 clAll vintages 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Critics scores 100 Wine SpectatorVery dark ruby color. Rich and decadent, with masses of blackberry and fresh black truffle aromas. Turns to tar and licorice. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Super-rich and long. Powerful and layered. Superb. Perfect. Even better than when originally tasted.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 200 cases made. ?JS95 Robert ParkerThis is one of my favorite wines in this full retrospective spanning a quarter century. The Tua Rita 1997 Redigaffi (100% Merlot) is shaped by a classic vintage that set the stage for many of Italy's best-known blended reds, such as Solaia, Sassicaia and Ornellaia, putting them all in the spotlight, especially among international collectors. A deep freeze on April 17 reduced yields by one-third and cemented quality as a result. This wine is a gorgeous revelation with enduring freshness and vitality. You taste the fruit here, with blackberry and dried currant, over a tapered, medium-weight finish. The tannins are beautifully softened and elongated.<br/><br/> Producer Azienda Agricola Tua RitaThe demure Tua Rita estate is located in Suvereto, a quaint medieval town found between Livorno and Grosseto. In 1984, Rita Tua and her husband, Virgilio Bisti purchased 6-hectares in southern Tuscany. They immediately planted the land to international varieties – Cabernet and Merlot. The property is now over 25-hectares, and ranks amongst the most consistent producers in Tuscany. Its first vintage was released in 1992, and this was just the start of their worldwide praise and accolades from wine connoisseurs and critics. Tua Rita’s exceptional quality and tiny nature earned it the reputation as one of Italy’s first Garagistes. A term used to describe small Bordeaux producers like Le Pin and Valandraud. Their Redigaffi Merlot has now achieved cult-like status. It was also the first Italian wine to receive a perfect score of 100-points from Robert Parker for its 2000 vintage. Tua Rita’s exciting assortment of reds and whites have almost single-handedly put this bright new zone on Italy’s winemaking map.