New Release
2022 Fortissimo

2022 Fortissimo

FORTISSIMO IN 7 WORDS

Cherry, Plum, Earthy, Herbal, Cigar, Rustic, Bold

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

Fortissimo is our way of paying respect to the pioneers of Tuscany who challenged the traditions of winemaking in the 50s and 60s to gain recognition for their wines.

2022 Fortissimo is a departure in style from the last couple of vintages. 2022 was a cooler growing season and the resulting wines are more akin to 2010, 2011, 2018. 2022 Fortissimo is medium to medium + in body, brighter and more Tuscan in style. It is particularly charming for a young red and is more readily accessible than typical vintages. All the components are married seamlessly together. The large format puncheons and Hungarian/Slavonian oak are evident in the subtle way the oak is present with whispers of baking spice notes. Overall the wine has fantastic layers of fruit and savoury flavours. Bing cherry mingles with red and black cherry fruit. Aromatic herbs and cured tobacco leaves are also starting to emerge. The savoury profile in this wine is even more accentuated in this vintage. The palate is layered and while it is still young and somewhat morphed into itself, it still offers plenty of pleasure in youth.

Slideshow Items

  • 90 points

    Fortissimo is La Stella’s South Okanagan blend of 45 percent merlot, (27) cabernet franc, (20) cabernet sauvignon and (4) sangiovese. Feels like Fortissimo is Maremma to Classico d’Osoyoos’ Bolgheri (if such comparative inspirations are necessary), but either way the Bordeaux varieties here are the thing. A crisp, crunchy, herbaceous and higher tonal ascertained red blend plus one from a copacetic, binding and binate vintage that sees grapes, acidity and tannin in collective copacetic style. Good energy and vibes here, equal forces occupying and working as one. Drink 2025-2029. Value rating: 4/5.

    Michael Godel Wine Align  |  Tasted: May 2024