2021 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Sharing the terroir of neighboring Sassicaia and Ornellaia, the lesser known but no less stunning Super Tuscan blends from Castello di Bolgheri have been on an upward trajectory over the last decade, their impressive 93 pt. 2021 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara and 96 pt. 2019 Castello di Bolgheri Superiore ranking among the region’s most highly rated, age worthy Bordeaux blends from recent vintages and delivering unbeatable value.

Located in a bucolic setting surrounding the medieval 13th century Bolgheri Castle, Castello di Bolgheri winery boasts 50 hectares of vineyards near Tuscany’s famed cypress-lined Viale dei Cipressi road in the northern Bolgheri DOC, its rich clay and calcareous soils known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon with subtle, soft tannins and flinty minerality. Leading the estate’s transition from growing local varieties of grapes to Bordeaux varietals, 30^th generation descendant Federico Zileri replanted the estate vineyards with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon in the mid-1990’s, releasing his family’s first Super Tuscan blend in 2004 while also selling grapes to the estate’s high profile neighbors. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Petit Verdot, the fresh and appealing 2020 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara was aged for 12 months in 500-liter barrels with 6 months more in bottle, offering spiced dark fruit and smooth integrated tannins, ready to enjoy now “with plenty of length and staying power” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Cab Franc, the elegant and luscious 2019 Castello di Bolgheri Superiore was aged 20 months in a mix of oak barrels and casks yielding vibrant, expressive fruit with integrated velvety tannins and uplifting acidity, described as “a remarkable wine that casts a large net for lovers of New World and Old World wines alike” by Jeb Dunnuck that will continue to evolve over the next two decades.

Whether pulling the cork on the ready to drink 93 pt. 2021 Castello di Bolgheri Rosso Varvara or patiently stashing away the 96 pt. 2019 Castello di Bolgheri Superiore in cellar-ready original wooden cases, lovers of bold, powerful Tuscan red wines can’t go wrong with these stellar selections from Castello di Bolgheri, offering exceptional quality described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as getting “better and better,” while remaining bargain priced at a fraction of their high visibility neighbors to deliver astounding value.

93WA

93JD

93WS

92JS

The 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Varvàra shows inky black fruit and rich concentration with a hint of black olive or caper flower. This is another of the historic value wines of Bolgheri that is generous, thickly layered but also accessible. There is a hint of spice on the close that recalls black pepper and chili flake. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, with 90,000 bottles made.

93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Feb 2024)

Displaying a saturated magenta/purple color, the 2021 Varvara is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. A lush cologne lifts from the glass, with notes of polished leather, blackcurrant, sour cherry, menthol, and rosewater. Full-bodied, it offers refined tannins, a rounded mouthfeel, and a well-balanced evenness through a rather long finish. It has a lot of elegance and is already showing beautifully. Drink 2024-2040.

93 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2024)

This red is all about balance and texture, creating an ideal foil for its black currant, black cherry, licorice, rosemary and iron aromas and flavors. Refined tannins lend grip on the lingering aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038. 6,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

93 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2023)

This shows notes of spiced cherries, currant leaf, dark chocolate and bark. Medium- to full-bodied. This has a weighty core of dark berries with compact and fine tannins melted into the wine. Focused and lengthy. Better from 2025.

92 points, James Suckling (Jun 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$27.98

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