Casasilia Riserva 2008

Here is an estate that has always been faithful to its house style, dealing sure-footedly with changes in taste by maintaining (quite rightly) that its interpretation of its terroir is a valid one, as indeed it is: this style is a muscular one, which pays particular attention to using only very ripe grapes. We are in the hamlet of Badia a Passignano, in the commune of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. The vineyards have good exposure and are on loose-textured soils offering good drainage, at classic altitudes between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. This allows for considerable flexibility at harvest time.
The wine’s colour is a deep ruby right to the rim of the glass. Its rich nose is dominated by sensations of ripe fruit (blackberries, cherries and a hint of bilberries, even in the form of jam), and then there is the evident spiciness of vanilla and the balsamic touch of eucalyptus. The palate is decidedly muscular, with intense but well-integrated tannins that give an excellent progression. There is also no lack of acidity, which helps render the wine particularly enjoyable to drink. The finish echoes the sensations on the nose to perfection and is of rare depth and complexity.