Gaja - Ca Marcanda Bolgheri Rosso Magari 2020 (750ml)
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The Ca' Marcanda 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Magari offers a surprisingly subtle side to the three very powerful grapes that make up the blend. These are Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The bouquet is generous and full with an intricate embroidery of lavender flower garden herb black fruit spice and tobacco. You might even detect a hint of black olive. Magari is structured and solid but never heavy and it offers a good sense of fresh acidity that makes for a lively and bright finish. That more acidic vein is neatly folded into ample fruity sweetness and flavor
Jeb Dunnuck: 94+ Points
The 2020 Magari is floral with a perfume of violet wild raspberry liqueur candied black cherry and cedar. The wine is full-bodied but without weight and offers a silky texture. Pure and inviting with a note of freshly turned soil and it has a lovely floral perfume that continues through the finish. it is approachable now but will improve over the next 10 to 15 years. When the Gaja family purchased their Bolgheri property in 1996 it was home to 10 hectares of vines planted to Sangiovese and Trebbiano. The rest of the land was dedicated to olive trees peach trees and cereal grains. Angelo Gaja was drawn to the region by several factors including the small size of the region which was always something he looked for when seeking out denominations outside of their Piedmont home. The Bolgheri DOC had recently been established in 1994 with only 1300 hectares in total. A very different region from Piedmont Bolgheri has historically been land owned by noble people whereas Piedmont was a region of farmers. Thus the Tuscans were more connected to international travel and you find people with international names and sensibilities. Other differences include the incredibly varied soils with 27 different types identified due to the erosion from the Colline Metalifere. Additionally constant winds come through the region that help both with ventilation and temperature control of the vines. My tasting occurred at the Bolgheri winery in November of 2022 alongside Gaia Gaja who has been instrumental in working alongside her siblings and their father across the properties. Whether it is in the vineyard or in the winery the family and the team at Ca' Marcanda are consistently evolving to raise the bar with a measured and steady hand.
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