Mission Codename Bossi up!
“Readers who have not discovered these wines yet owe it to themselves to do so. Castello di Bossi remains very much under the radar, particularly considering the quality of the wines.” – Vinous
This is the -aia deal you’ve been waiting for! Why? Because the 2021 Sassicaia is trending at around $375. Ornellaia? $295.
And their contemporary, Corbaia, made since 1985, coming in hot for $99? With 96 points?!
WAIT… sorry, ITS ONLY $59?!
“If asked to name my favorite under-the-radar estates in Tuscany” remarks Vinous: “Castello di Bossi would occupy a place pretty near the top of that list. In particular, the flagship Corbaia is reliably outstanding and exceptionally fairly priced in today’s market relative to the quality it consistently delivers. I always look forward to tasting the new releases from Castello di Bossi and consulting oenologist Alberto Antonini, they are off the charts. Proprietor Marco Bacci makes a wide range of wines across his properties in Tuscany, but those of Castello di Bossi lead the way when it comes to quality and consistency. These are rich, textured wines that in most cases can handle fairly high amounts of new French oak.”
And if you’ve been keeping track, this vintage in Tuscany is one for the record books. Vinous continues, “Last year, I wrote, ‘The 2021s, in particular, are some of the most exciting young wines I have tasted in more than 25 years of visiting the region.’ The top bottlings, those being released this year, more than confirm that initial impression. This is a historic vintage Vinous readers will want to pay close attention to.”
This Super comes from the highly prized Castelnuovo Berardenga commune in Chianti Classico, and even at its release price, this Super Tuscan’s bang-for-the-buck is there. At $59 it’s a - drop what you’re doing and stock up now - priority. Think of it as a hypothetical blend of a Brunello on steroids with blue-chip Napa Cab.
Vibrant aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, and cedar greet in the nose. Thick and concentrated on the palate, with compelling sweetness buffered by intense extract, fat and mouth-filling. Structured but sleek and composed. Notes of nutty oak and vanilla lead to a long finish, with silky tongue-dusting tannins and outstanding grip and persistence.
Too bad there’s so little of it, destined to go fast.
96 Points – Raffaele Vecchione “Swirling in the glass reveals notes of cherries, sour cherries, lemon peel, lime, lemongrass, elderflower, sandalwood, and juniper berries. Medium-to-full-bodied, with gripping tannins and a progressive finish of Mediterranean vibrancy. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best from 2027.”
94 Points – Vinous “The 2021 Corbaia, 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, is another bold, punchy wine in this range. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, licorice, mocha and a kiss of French oak all race across the palate. This is an especially forward, sleek expression of Sangiovese from Castelnuovo Berardenga. The 2020 spent 24 months in once-filled French oak barrels. Drink 2025-2036.”
94 Points – James Suckling “Aromas of currants, blackberries, fresh flowers, violets and sandalwood follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins. A refined, sophisticated and beautiful finish. Reserved at the end. A blend of 70% sangiovese, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes. Needs two or three years to come together.”
What the Winery Says
2021 'Corbaia' Toscana IGT
- Winemaker
- Alberto Antonini
- Varietal
- 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2021
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellation
- Toscana IGT
- Vineyard
- Corbaia Vineyard
- Soils
- Calcareous clay-loam
- Elevation
- 1,148 feet
- Aging
- 18-24 months oak, 9 months bottle
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak
About the Winery
Castello di Bossi