Fattoria dei Dolfi, 'L Bruno de' Venti, Toscana IGT

Seller: AaronP

Fattorie dei Dolfi 'I Bruno de' Venti' 2012, Toscana IGT | Old-Vine Bordeaux Blend | 50–70 Year Massal Vines | In Bond

There is a rogue character to this wine that mirrors the story behind its name. 'I Bruno de' Venti' is named after a dark-skinned, reclusive figure; piercing, magnetic, not easily forgotten. The wine lives up to the billing. This is Fattorie dei Dolfi's Bordeaux-inspired expression: a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc sourced from massal-selection vines aged 50 to 70 years. Old vines mean concentrated, complex fruit with genuine structure, and that shows immediately in the glass. The colour is a deep ruby tending to garnet, velvety and brilliant. The nose opens with intense notes of cherry and ripe plums, threaded with hints of toasted spice. On the palate it is authoritative and persistent, with soft, elegant tannins and what one taster described as "dark currants pervading a muscular backbone." Fattorie dei Dolfi is one of Tuscany's most quietly compelling small estates, founded on ancient family vineyards by owner Giovanni Dolfi, who made the unusual career leap from champion horse trainer to winemaker after falling under the influence of Giacomo Tachis, the man credited as the father of Sassicaia. That philosophy - patience, precision, terroir above all - runs through every bottle they make. The 2012 vintage has had over a decade of careful bond storage; the structure has softened beautifully and the wine is drinking superbly now. Stored in bond at London City Bond (LCB), Eton Park, Burton-upon-Trent. Bond-to-bond transfer available; home delivery can also be arranged (duty and VAT payable on release from bond).