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.  

The 2015 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana is bright, lifted and full of personality. Sweet red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, sage and dried flowers all grace this juicy, mid-weight wine. The 2015 is impeccably balanced and a joy to taste.

The 2019 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana is youthfully poised with dusty rose, dried black cherries and a burnt orange zest forming its bouquet. This washes across the palate with silky textures and ripe red fruits, gaining tension through a mix of saline-tinged acidity and sour citrus notes. Its tannins come on strong through the finale, coupled with a saturation of primary concentration and mineral tones as petty inner florals slowly fade. The 2019 is packed full of potential but will require patience.

Orange zest, dried cranberries, notes of ash and tar, as well as rosemary all spring from the glass on the nose. There’s impressive polish to the strands of lightly indented tannins which are melded together with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and medium-chewy on the finish. Drink now.

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. From Italy.

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.

The 2012 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana is soft, radiant and open-knit, all of which give considerable appeal today. There is good brightness and intensity to the fruit, along with lovely aromatic top notes of cedar, smoke, licorice and tobacco. Given its mid-weight structure, the 2012 is likely to offer its best drinking sooner rather than later. There is no reason to delay gratification in this impeccable, beautifully crafted Carmignano from Capezzana.

This is rich, yet densely structured, which is a foil for black cherry, blackberry, earth and rosemary flavors. Long, if a bit gruff on the finish. Feels balanced and should develop well. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024 through 2038. 5,530 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.