2009 Soldera (Case Basse) Toscana Sangiovese

There is a lot of mystery and mystique surrounding the current wine program spearheaded by Gianfranco Soldera. According to the latest information I have, Case Basse produced 36 hectoliters of IGT wine in 2009, only four hectoliters in 2010, 17 hectoliters in 2011, 124 hectoliters in 2012, 127 hectoliters in 2013 and 68 hectoliters in 2014. Given those radically inconsistent production numbers, I suspect we won't see this wine in retail again until the 2012 vintage is released. On the market now, you might find the 2009 100% Sangiovese if you are extremely lucky. This is by far the vintage I prefer most since this pure expression of Sangiovese lost its Brunello di Montalcino status. As an IGT, the wine is streamlined and silky. Fruit flavors of wild cherry, dried apple and aniseed are radiant and glossy. The wine packs mild volatile acidity that adds to its aromatic intensity and presentation. This vintage gives me cause to believe in the cult of Soldera.

This wine was aged for a full 70 months(!) and not bottled until February 2016 and was then given six months in bottle. Transparent ruby and so fresh it tastes like health juice. Dry but not drying with a hint of chamomile. Clean as whistle. The taster feels as though they are floating on air when tasting this ethereal wine. Just 8,000 bottles filled, from the botte saved from vandalism. From the 2006 vintage onwards these wines have had '100% Sangiovese' on the label. (JR)

Gianfranco Soldera did not show his soon to be released 2009 Toscana Sangiovese, as he felt the wine needed more time in bottle. Readers may want to consult the accompanying Producer Commentary for the latest at Soldera.