2011 La Ricolma
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Tasting notes
The 2011 La Ricolma is a huge, dense wine that very much reflects the personality of this hot, dry year. Black fruit, plum, licorice, game, smoke and chocolate all inform this decidedly potent Ricolma. It's a vintage built on textural richness more than aromatics. I would prefer to drink the 2011 over the next decade or so, as it does not appear to be aging in an especially refined manner. "I managed to delay harvest by about a week by spraying water on the grapes at night," Luca Martini di Cigala told me recently.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Nothing short of spectacular, the 2011 La Ricolma is a pure expression of Merlot that has ripened to perfection during the final stages of the warm harvest season. The richness and intensity of the wine know no bounds, and the textural finesse is equally impressive. Black cherry and blackberry render a sense of softness, while exotic spice flavors and Mediterranean herb give the wine depth and dimension. Although this edition of Ricolma doesn’t have the same level of focus and precision of cooler vintages (like 2010), it remains a true standout Tuscan Merlot nonetheless. I’d give the 2011 a shorter drinking window because of the overtly ripe nature of the fruit that may evolve quickly with cellar aging.
Another gorgeous wine, the 2011 La Ricolma wraps around the palate with fabulous depth and richness. Dark red and black-toned fruit, cloves, menthol, spices and licorice meld together in a supple, radiant wine endowed with notable depth and nuance. Lavender, jasmine and a host of floral notes add gorgeous perfume on the finish. Of all the San Giusto wines, Ricolma seems to get the least attention, but it can be superb, as it is again in 2011.
Nothing short of spectacular, the 2011 La Ricolma is a pure expression of Merlot that has ripened to perfection during the final stages of the warm harvest season. The richness and intensity of the wine know no bounds, and the textural finesse is equally impressive. Black cherry and blackberry render a sense of softness, while exotic spice flavors and Mediterranean herb give the wine depth and dimension. Although this edition of Ricolma doesn’t have the same level of focus and precision of cooler vintages (like 2010), it remains a true standout Tuscan Merlot nonetheless. I’d give the 2011 a shorter drinking window because of the overtly ripe nature of the fruit that may evolve quickly with cellar aging. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
San Giusto a Rentennano is one of the leading producers in the Chianti Classico region. Its 100% Merlot Super Tuscan La Ricolma and 100% Sangiovese cuvée, Percarlo, are two of the most consistent and collected fine wines in Tuscany.