~ The estate of Tenuta di Biserno ~
Many times I have written on these pages that the next frontier of Tuscan winemaking lies with Maremma. In fact, it seems that each time I frequent a wine shop after being away for a length of time, a new wine from Bolgheri has emerged. Indeed, family after family have endeavored to acquire property along the Tuscan coast which seems to be an optimal home for crafting Tuscan wines from Bordelaise varietals. Clarets with an Italian accent! Perhaps what is more amazing is that a pair of brothers realized this trend long before many others and have been making wines along the coast for over a decade. Today we’re focusing on one of those wines; a “second” wine actually but one that is turning heads rapidly.
During his time running Ornellaia, Lodovico Antinori learned of another property from his General Manager when they were searching for vineyards to expand the Ornellaia estate. Upon the discovery of what today is Tenuta di Biserno, Antinori realized that the incredibly rocky and boulder strewn estate would be a sizeable endeavour and a project unto itself. Therefore, in 2002, he enlisted the help of his brother Piero and Tenuta di Biserno was born.
~ Vines on the Biserno Estate ~
The 2015 Tenuta di Biserno Il Pino is simply a stunning wine. It’s a blackish purple in color that is impenetrable. Without decanting the aromas of the wine skyrocket from the glass. Crushed black fruits, ripe tobacco, cigar box, crushed rosemary and espresso are seamless and gorgeous. On the palate, this wine is ripe, smooth, seductive and frankly voluptuous without for one second losing its elegant nature. Full bodied with fully ripe, silky woven tannins, this is so delicious right now. That may seem like a concern, but you must remember this is really the third wine of the estate. So you can drink these in the short term while waiting for the more substantial 2015s to cellar. To my taste, this is the best Il Pino I’ve ever tasted. The price is creeping up, but among its contemporary peers, this represents a great value. 96 points. About $50. Find this wine.
~ The stunning effort from the 2015 vintage . Il Pino is 40% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.~
You can read check out earlier reviews for Il Pino 2009 and Il Pino 2008 by using these links.
Salute!
Excellent….and most goes to the fabulous 2015 vintage…Tuscany coast in particular!
Mont,
You know, 2015 has barely let me down. Only 2-3 wines I’ve had that have been terrible. Everything else I’ve tried at all price points has been lovely. Andrea Cecchi was right. The man knows his stuff.
J
I was there in 2015, and had a wonderful tasting With a Hungarian woman. Gorgeous wines! I’ve also visited the Palazzo in Florence, Badia a Passignano, Guado al Tasso and Prunotto in Piedmont..;-)
You are a big Antinori fan?