WTN: 1995 Fattoria Casa Sola Montarsiccio

[Brad Ballinger]

1995 Fattoria Casa Sola Montarsiccio. This is a Toscana IGT that is approximately 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% sangiovese, and 10% merlot. It is aged in barrique for 24 months. It shows. Not necessarily in a "oaky" way, but in a way that says more new world forwardness and less terroir. It seems more Bordeaux than Italy. At nine years old, it is still a very fruit forward wine with plenty of structure. Cherries, pepper, cinnamon, menthol, and some earth notes show on the nose. Nicely balanced on the palate with bright acidity yet, lively fruit, and tannins from both grapes and oak. Moderately long finish that is primarily fruit-driven. A nice example of a "non-Italian" Italian wine that has more going for it that overly ripe fruit and sweet oak.