Founded in 2002, the Arcanum estate is the sister property to Tenuta di Arceno and sits in the Commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Tracing its roots to the Etruscan era, the estate now encompasses approximately 200 acres of vines which are devoted primarily to the production of Bordelaise inspired wines.
Sitting at altitudes of 1,000-1,500 feet above sea level, the estates vineyards rest in no less than 12 distinct soil types, though the heaviest influence is the minerally galestro so notable to Tuscany.
Recently, we spotlighted an amazing Merlot from this property and today, we’re taking a look at another blend, also heavily reliant on Merlot; the “entry level” wine of the property: Il Fauno. Winemaker Pierre Seillan has vast experience in both Bordeaux and Napa Valley and now he brings that talent to Tuscany.
The 2011 Il Fauno di Arcanum is a deep blackish purple in the glass with barely any lightening in color at the rim of the bowl.
The aromas off the wine are elegant and rich. Crushed black fruit, cedar, tobacco and toasted spices are prevalent. On the palate, this heavily weighted Merlot wine is ripe and fruity, round with rich texture and lavishly oaked. The Christmas spices, nuts, roasted espresso, leather and mocha notes play a noticeable background to the soft black fruit flavors. Clearly this is a modern interpretation of a Tuscan wine, but it’s polished and well made. Tasty but in a style that lovers of traditional Tuscan wine will likely not enjoy.
Il Fauno is 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. 89 points and fairly priced around $25.
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| ~ Il Fauno is a Bordeaux inspired blend from the Italian arm of Kendall Jackson ~ |
Salute!
Sounds like a buy to me!
Love those hilly vineyards!
D train…be curious to hear your take. Nice wine, but very modern. May have been interesting to have it as a ringer in a Napa tasting.