The Capezzana estate has been in the hands of the Conte Contini Bonacossi family over five generations (the ancient property was originally founded in 804).  The estate is located 12 miles west of Florence in the Carmignano sub-zone, one of the oldest recognized wine producing areas in Tuscany.  Ancient Etruscan artifacts show that grapevines were cultivated in the region over 3,000 years ago.  Villa de Capezzana is the estate’s flagship wine.  Crafted from 80% Sangiovese grapes and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is deliciously rich and appetizingly savory.  Its suggestions of citrus and mushroomy aromas lead to subtle mixed berry and cherry flavors backed by touches of earthiness and salinity.  The overall impression is one of both power and finesse.  The grapes were organically grown.  

Barco Reale di Carmignano 2019 (DOC) A blend of 75% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Cabernet Franc; matured in 24 hl casks. Barco Reale means “royal property.” Intense ruby red/light purple; aromas of black plum, black currant and hints of myrtle and purple pansy. Medium-full with appealing ripe black berry fruit, very good acidity, medium-full tannins and notable persistence. Excellent complexity, well-integrated oak and bright fruit combine to give this wine impressive appeal. Approachable now, better in 2-3 years, peak in 5-7 years

A concentrated mouthful of caramel, almond, chocolate, molasses and orange peel mark this dessert white, which packs a punch along with its sweetness. Bracing acidity and a walnut skin bitterness offset the viscosity and sugar deftly, allowing this to play out gracefully on the finish. Trebbiano and San Colombano. Drink now through 2040. 220 cases made, 31 cases imported.

Blackcurrant and crushed stone with some flint on the nose and palate. Lead pencil, too. Medium-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that are polished. Juicy finish. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2023.

The late-release 2011 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana 10 Anni is dark and floral, dusty in character, with black cherry and plum offset by hints of camphor and mint. It’s the result of a warm and low-producing vintage, which shows through its depths of silky textures matched by rich dark red fruits and hints of sour citrus. Yet there’s a spike of nervous acidity here that keeps the expression wildly fresh. Tobacco and tart raspberries linger, along with adolescent tannins, making for a nicely framed and mature expression.

A dense, solid red, with concentrated black cherry, currant, earth and tobacco flavors. The tannins are assertive, but all the elements come together on the muscular finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo. Best from 2019 through 2029. 839 cases made.

The 2022 Trebbiano blossoms in the glass with a sweetly floral bouquet of crushed yellow apples, peach skin, anise, sweet sage and dusty stone. This is round and supple, with depths of ripe white pit fruits perfectly contrasted by saline minerals and hints of spice. Fresh acidity maintains a lovely balance. It tapers off long and staining, classically dry and youthfully tense. The 2022 is gorgeous but will be at its best after further cellaring.

The 2013 Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva is captivating, as dusty sweet florals, incense and dried tangerine evolve to enriching notes of hazelnuts, coffee grinds and candied ginger. This speaks more in whispers than shouts, with a seductive mix of pure, silky textures, ripe apricots, almond paste and salty minerals that complete this lovely and sensual expression. There’s unbelievable length, as a repeating menagerie of dried orchard and tropical fruits, as well as hints of butterscotch and sweet herbs, resonates. This wine is a labor of love, and it’s a gorgeous Vin Santo.