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Baffonero 2012 75cl

DOC | Maremma Toscana | Tuscany | Italy
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Critics scores
94 By Robert Parker
93 By Wine Spectator
92 By James Suckling
Rocca di Frassinello set out to make one of the great Merlots of Tuscany and the result is this excellent wine. The 2012 Maremma Toscana Baffonero shows all the hallmarks of great winemaking and careful fruit selection. If you are looking for a purely hedonistic Italian red, this one most certainly fits the bill although I'm not sure how much wiggle room there is for top shelf Merlot beyond the venerable Masseto. Baffonero exhibits seamless integration with a ripe palate of cherry and blackberry flavors. It reaches a beautiful level of richness that is backed by rich extraction and soft tannins. The wine will cellar for ten years or more. 
Producer
Rocca di Frassinello
The vinous project, Rocca di Frassinello represents the first and up until now, only joint-venture between an Italian and French producer. The key players, the characteristic Castellare di Castellina of Chianti, and the wine-producing superstar, Domaines Barons de Rothschild of the celebrated Bordeaux Château Lafite-Rothschild, built this Maremma based estate quite recently. With the first vintages released in the early 2000s, the 500-hectare property consists of 80-hectares under vine. Combining the broad viticultural expertise of both estates, Castellare di Castellina’s use of the typical Tuscan grape, Sangioveto, and Domaines Barons de Rothschild’s use of the French staple varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Shiraz – Rocca di Frassinello produces several high-caliber wines. Rivaling the best of Italy and France, the top wine, Rocca di Frassinello has even become one of the leading competitors against Italy’s most famous, Masseto. This Maremma based winery, in the municipality of Gavorrano is an icon, a true extension of both the Italian and French wine-making talents.