Mission Codename Hot Couture
Cavalli… back in action! This producer did a drive-by a few weeks ago and got all you Tuscany-loving operatives hot and bothered. If you are still in the dark about the awesomeness of degli Dei, listen up!
This Super Tuscan powerhouse has been a darling with critics, scoring handsomely and consistently from many reviewers. You will NOT find another Super of this quality, at this price. Vinous finds it “full of personality” and James Suckling “gorgeous” while Wine Advocate said it’s “a terrific expression from a crisp and cooler vintage.” Wine Spectator concluded that it “should improve over the next few years” so you are right on time to enjoy this beauty at its peak.
By the way, if you’ve been wondering why this wine is SO CHIC, yes, this is THAT fashion icon Cavalli, one of the most talked about designers today! Here’s more on that side of Cavalli if that world intrigues you - now back to the wine…
What’s in our glasses is flamboyant and flashy for sure, yet with that unmistakable Tuscan feel of the countryside, where Arabian horses and classic Ferraris dwell side by side in the stately ‘farms.’ And where world-famous olive oils, charcuterie, and cheeses are only surpassed by the reputation of the wines. This is a blend of Cabernets, both Sauvignon and Franc with a solid helping of Petite Verdot. On the nose, intense and bold berries are balanced by espresso and meaty earth notes. At the first sip, you’ll be in love. Silky smooth tannins that have been aged to perfection, notes of chocolate, herbs, and deep berry compote all lead into a long powerful finish. Oomph and grace at its finest!
And 56% OFF today?! Don’t let this one pass you by!
94 Points – James Suckling
“Dark blueberry and shiitake mushroom turn to mineral and blue fruits. Full body, juicy and rich. Soft and round. Gorgeous. Rich style but remains so velvety. Available in January 2017. Better in 2019.”
93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Tenuta degli Dei is owned by the Cavalli family and benefits from the careful and fully hands-on management of Tommaso Cavalli. The estate sources grapes from two sites. The most prized vineyards are located in Panzano in Chianti and are planted at 400 to 450 meters above sea level in limestone soils. Eight hectares are located here with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. An additional four hectares of vines are planted at Tommaso’s father’s house (fashion designer Roberto Cavalli) outside of Florence. This property has Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and 2,000 plants of Alicante. The soils here consist of heavier clay. The 2013 Cavalli is a terrific expression from a crisp and cooler vintage. The wine is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged in oak for 18 months and in bottle for an additional 18 months. I should underline that the Petit Verdot percentage plays a much bigger role in this vintage and I’m told this will also be the case in the future. The bouquet here reveals dark tones of spice and black fruit, and the wine offers the thick color saturation and fruity concentration to match. The finish is layered, rich and opulent. Drink 2017-2028.
92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“Cavalli’s flagship 2013 Tenuta degli Dei is full of personality. Herbs, tobacco, licorice and lavender give the 2013 its Cabernet Sauvignon-inflected upper register. Dark and textured on the palate, but never heavy, the 2013 is all class. Silky yet potent tannins support a super-expressive finish laced with dark red fruit, smoke and French oak. This is an especially restrained style for Panzano. Drink 2017-2025.”
92 Points – Wine Spectator
“Concentrated black cherry, plum, vanilla and toast aromas and flavors highlight this muscular red. Solidly structured, with brisk acidity driving the mineral-tinged finish. Should improve over the next few years. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2018 through 2025.”
What the Winery Says
2013 Tenuta degli Dei Toscana IGT
- Proprietors
- Roberto & Tommaso Cavalli
- Consulting winemaker
- Carlo Ferrini
- Varietals
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2013
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Appellation
- IGT Toscana
- Locales
- Panzano & Florence
- Altitude
- 50-100 m. (Panzano), 350-400 m. (Florence) above sea level
- Soils
- Marl (Panzano), clay (Florence)
- Planting density
- 6,700 plants/ha
- Yields
- 5,000 kg/ha
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak