Toscana Merlot

An absolutely stunning lunch from @joe leatherwood today. 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 5 reds and 1 dessert wine. All served blind.

Insert expletive here. Wow. So beautifully bright and clean. Total balance. Dark ripe black cherries, dark chocolate dipped blackberries, and baked rhubarb tart. So much red and black fruit here! Definitely some fig, cherry cordial and truffle on the palate. It’s powerful without being overbearing. Tough call, but I ended up settling on early ‘00s Bordeaux. Is this the pinnacle of merlot?

Something a little off and madeirized on the nose. Underneath, lovely poised fruit. A shame about the whiff on the top

Merlot like no other - built stone tough. Italian-ness trumps varietal character.

Can't say this wasn't really great, I think that it shows what the vintage was like, but also that this one needs quite a bit of time to come around, yes it's extremely extracted/oaked/rich, but it's definitely a style that many people enjoy.

Reminded me of very old Figeac but without the green pepper, velvet, round, smooth and long finish, coffee, cigar tones, nice acidity, perfect

Outstanding wine. Having it with Easter Dinner.

Really tasting good right now. Classic herbal, tobacco with some palate coating power left over

Best merlot!!

Wow! Amazing bouquet of red & blackberry fruits, mocha, expresso, chocolate, dried herbs, & tobacco.

Gone...:(