David Lawrason 2015 Espressivo

In a nod to the Super-Tuscan blends now rampant in Italy this combines 55% cabernet franc, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 5% sangiovese – all aged in French and Slavonian oak. There is considerable oak vanillin, resin and spice on the nose with fresh herbs (dill, sage) and raspberry-like cab franc fruit. It is full bodied with firm acidity, some alcohol heat (14.8%) and fine, grassy tannin. The fruit gets a bit overripe on the palate with dried fig character. Tannins are still quite grippy. The length is excellent. Cellar it until 2020.