Ruffino Modus 2021 (75cl, 15.5%)

A Tuscan red blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled at 15.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The blend is 46% Merlot, 31% Sangiovese and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are sourced from the Poggio Casciano estate and other selected vineyards near Florence, at elevations between 290 and 450 metres, on soils of clay, limestone and silt. Each variety is aged separately in small French and American oak casks for approximately 12 months before blending and bottling. The nose opens with blackberry and black currant, then violets, cinnamon, cloves, cedar and licorice. The palate is plush and fruit-forward, with black cherry and plum, balsamic hints, iron-like minerality, tobacco and spice. The finish is refined and lingering, with graphite, black olives, warm cedar and spice.