The 2017 Redigaffi has a few surprises up its sleeve, the most unexpected of which are those floral aromas of rose and lavender that lift so gently from the bouquet. These are absolutely counterintuitive given the heat and power of this vintage. This Redigaffi is a delicate wine in terms of its aromatic display despite the density and extract that is delivered to the palate. It carries a touch of bitterness or tannic dryness on the close to go along with its 15.5% alcohol content. The mouthfeel is tight, focused and sharp. This is a really beautiful and interesting Merlot that skirts around the hot vintage, yet it ultimately leaves you with marked determination and bold fruit flavors. 2020-2040
2017 had a hot, very dry growing season and the winery had to make a strict selection in the vineyard and take extreme care in the winery during vinification. The 2017 Redigaffi still manages to be beautifully balanced in spite of the challenges of the vintage. On the palate there's beautiful weight and texture with lovely harmony and concentration, though the vintage reveals itself on the finish with a slight dry chalkiness to the tannins. The Tua Rita team had started to focus more on vinifying single plots of vines separately by this point, and whatever the techniques employed, the result is fantastic. (Drink between 2022-2040)
