Gismondi on Wine: 2012 Fortissimo

I’m so happy not to be tasting 2010 and 2011 Okanagan reds I’m wondering if I’m over reacting to the 2012s. Fortissimo is said to be a nod to Tuscany, not so much for the style but the fact that they challenged the traditions of earlier Italian winemaking. In 2012 it boasts its highest ever percentage of cabernet franc at 38 percent in addition to 39 percent merlot, 17 percent cabernet sauvignon and finally six percent sangiovese grosso most of which spends time in large format puncheons (35 percent new) of Hungarian/Slavonian oak. It is fragrant on the nose with a beautiful savoury south Okanagan streak that feeds into its silky textures and black cherry fruit. Love the elegance and styling. This will age effortlessly for a decade. Bravo.