2006 Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana

A pure expression of Merlot, the 2006 Redigaffi feels a little too evolved or tertiary in the context of this quarter-century retrospective. There are vintages much older than this that have held up better. This was a hot growing season on the Tuscan coast, characterized by sunshine and cooling rain later on that helped to slow the ripening. Dried porcino mushroom, balsam herb, candied fruit and dried mint appear on the bouquet. Dig down deeper and you recognize the complexity and sheer power of this wine. Perhaps this vintage is fading at a faster pace than some of the others in this tasting. I shortened the suggested drinking window as a result.