2014 Campo di Magnacosta

This is a stunning set of new releases from Tenuta di Trinoro. Even after all these years, the Trinoro wines remain among the most compelling, singular reds in the world. The maniacal focus on vineyard work started by the late Andrea Franchetti continues today under the leadership of his son, Benjamin. The 20-hectare property is divided into 50 blocks. Tenuta di Trinoro is a sort of estate wine made from many blocks throughout the property. The Campo wines, all 100% Cabernet Franc, are essentially exercises in expression of place, as the wines are made the same way. Palazzi remains a pure Merlot made from blocks that don’t go into Tenuta. Winemaking remains pretty stripped down. The reds are fermented in stainless steel, then see a relatively brief period of 6-8 months in French oak before being racked into cement, where they spend 12-18 months prior to bottling. As impressive as the top wines are here, I have long admired the estate’s commitment to value as seen in the Cupole di Trinoro, a wine that offers exceptional quality for the money. Tasting these wines reminds me of a visit to the estate many years ago. As we were leaving the cellar, Andrea Franchetti told me his goal was to make the best wine in the world (no matter the cost) and the best value-priced wine in the world. There was no middle ground, no compromise. Like the man himself. It’s great to see that ethos remains very much alive.

Andrea Franchetti is no longer with us, but his spirit is very much alive in these new releases from Tenuta di Trinoro. I usually don’t have a chance to taste two vintages side by side, but doing so was really quite instructive. In general, the 2020s are quite rich and potent, while the 2019s offer greater aromatic intensity and more finessed tannins. The three Cabernet Franc selections are so individual and expressive, while the flagship Palazzi and Tenuta bottlings are blends that are in a sense more complete. Speaking of the Tenuta, the estate has decided to push back the release of that wine until next year, which is why a review does not appear here. Last, but certainly not least, the Le Cupole captures all the personality of the top wines but at a more modest price. More than anything else, though, what I love about these wines is how distinctive they are. Andrea Franchetti crafted wines of uncompromising character throughout his remarkable career. These new releases perfectly embody that vision.

Andrea Franchetti is no longer with us, but his spirit is very much alive in these new releases from Tenuta di Trinoro. I usually don’t have a chance to taste two vintages side by side, but doing so was really quite instructive. In general, the 2020s are quite rich and potent, while the 2019s offer greater aromatic intensity and more finessed tannins. The three Cabernet Franc selections are so individual and expressive, while the flagship Palazzi and Tenuta bottlings are blends that are in a sense more complete. Speaking of the Tenuta, the estate has decided to push back the release of that wine until next year, which is why a review does not appear here. Last, but certainly not least, the Le Cupole captures all the personality of the top wines but at a more modest price. More than anything else, though, what I love about these wines is how distinctive they are. Andrea Franchetti crafted wines of uncompromising character throughout his remarkable career. These new releases perfectly embody that vision.

Two thousand sixteen will go down as one of the all time great vintages for Tenuta di Trinoro and proprietor Andrea Franchetti. The wines are off the charts, starting with the entry-level Le Cupole all the way up to the flagship Trinoro. In 2015, the wines are also quite good, if not as delineated as the 2016s and 2014s, something that is especially evident in the three 100% Cabernet Francs. The 2014s show the more delicate style of the vintage and offer a good bit of near to medium-term appeal.

Two thousand sixteen will go down as one of the all time great vintages for Tenuta di Trinoro and proprietor Andrea Franchetti. The wines are off the charts, starting with the entry-level Le Cupole all the way up to the flagship Trinoro. In 2015, the wines are also quite good, if not as delineated as the 2016s and 2014s, something that is especially evident in the three 100% Cabernet Francs. The 2014s show the more delicate style of the vintage and offer a good bit of near to medium-term appeal.

Andrea Franchetti continues to make some of the most compelling wines in Italy. Readers will find much to admire in these new wines from Franchetti's Tenuta di Trinoro, including a superb rendition of the flagship wine. The Cupole, the estate's second label, is once again one of the very best wines in its price range. In addition to the 2013s from Trinoro, I also tasted a number of 2014s from barrel. Those wines point to a surprisingly strong vintage at Trinoro. This year, Franchetti debuts his new Pinot Noir project, Sancaba, which is reviewed here separately. Lastly, Franchetti's 2014s from Passopisciaro, his Mount Etna estate, were positively riveting when I tasted them from cask last summer.

Andrea Franchetti simply nailed 2012. These are some of the most impressive wines I have ever tasted from Tenuta di Trinoro. As always, the wines are built on a total lushness and texture. When young, the Trinoro wines can sometime seem too intense, but with a little bottle age they truly begin to blossom. I tasted the 2012s twice a few months apart and was totally blown away both times. Readers who can find the 2012s should not hesitate, as they are truly magnificent. As good as the flagship Tenuta di Trinoro is, the Cupole remains one of the very best relative values in handmade, artisanal wines. Over the last few years, the Cabernet Franc Magnacosta and Merlot Palazzi have been real head-turners.

Andrea Franchetti's 2011s are extreme. There is no way of getting around that. The wines are intense, opulent and among the richest Tuscan wines I have ever tasted. Stylistically, the 2011s could pass for wines from Napa Valley if it weren't for the distinctly Tuscan elements of structure that underpin the fruit. The 2011s are ripe and silky, with suggestions of sweetness and alcohols in the 16%-16.5% range. But that is Franchetti. He makes wines that reflect each vintage to the core. The 2011s spent just 5-6 months in 100% new oak barrels and were then racked into cement, where they finished aging. In the 2011s, readers should expect wines with Amarone-like levels of viscosity and richness, especially with the top wines in the range. I suggest serving the wines on the cool side, which will help keep the alcohols from being too aggressive.