2021 Espressivo

2021 Espressivo

ESPRESSIVOΒ IN 7 WORDS

Blackberry, Spicy, Cocoa, Tobacco, Graphite, Savoury, Persistent

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

A Tuscan-inspired red blend much like its sibling Fortissimo, except Espressivo, is Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) dominant while Fortissimo is Merlot dominant.

Espressivo 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.

2021 Espressivo is a fantastic wine with everything one seeks in Super Tuscan-styled wines. While distinctly Okanagan, can be a ringer in an all-Super Tuscan tasting. The fruit profile here is both red and dark bramble and currant fruit (not all black), married with savoury, herbal, and spicy notes. There is an extra dimension of herb-crusted grilled meat and cigar box aroma to this vintage that hails from the year we experienced very high summer temperatures due to the heat dome effect. Compared to its sibling Fortissimo, the tannins here are edgier and the wine is more structured yet also more expressive and lifted on the nose. We look forward to following the evolution of this wine in the bottle for many years to come.

Slideshow Items

  • 89 points

    Considered a sibling to merlot-led Fortissimo, though Espressivo is both cabernet sauvignon and franc dominant. The fruit source is mainly Osoyoos Lake District with a smaller contribution from North Oliver and in this case the vintage has much to say. A smoulder and a verdancy infiltrating the layers of dark fruit in many shades. Espressivo is a bit stifled in 2021, tannins tighter and more austere to delay the coming together of the three Bordeaux varieties with (in or around) 10 percent sangiovese. Dries out at the finish after quite a notable interest compounding gathering of structural indemnity. Drink 2025-2028.

    Michael Godel Wine Align  |  Tasted: May 2024