2013 Redigaffi

I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted at Tua Rita this year, not so much by the wines themselves (although they are terrific) but just as much by the estate's continued search for excellence. In the last few years, proprietor Stefano Frascolla has brought back original winemaker Luca D'Attoma and together Frascolla and D'Attoma have set out to make wines of greater finesse than was the case in the early days. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Syrah, which is now made with a portion of whole clusters and is quite different in style than it was at the outset. Things are still in transition at Tua Rita, but the overall direction is quite positive. Tua Rita recently acquired Poggio Argentiera, an estate that has lacked focus in the last few years and that needs a total re-boot. There is going to be quite a bit to follow at this address for a number of years. Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not say something about how delicious the entry and mid-tier wines are here. Sure, most of the focus continues to fall on the dual flagships Redigaffi and Syrah, but savvy readers will pay just as much attention to the more modestly priced offerings as well.