Franchetti Passopisciaro 2016

Wineadvocate

A 60-40 blend of Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile, the 2016 Franchetti shows a raw, determined character with dark fruit and prune aromas that emerge roaring from the bouquet. This is a loud, large-scale wine that wraps heavily over the palate with enduring waves of condensed black fruit, smoke, tar and cigar box. The wine is boldly extracted, almost to a fault, but it's also delightfully opulent and enriched. Saying this wine has bold character would be a gross understatement. It ages in new French barrique for eight months followed by a ten-months' resting period in cement vats. Only 3,900 bottles were made. - ML 12/2018

Vinous

Fully saturated, impenetrable inky-ruby color. Smells very concentrated but offers pristine herbal and mineral nuances to the ripe red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Much more refined in the mouth than the powerful nose indicates, with lively acidity nicely extending flavors similar to the aromas on the long rich and very dense finish. A marvelous wine that is both rich and concentrated and yet light on its feet. Finishes with an enticing, spicy juicy note. This blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Cesanese d’Affile is an absolutely superb wine; well done. I’m curious to see how this develops over the next few years and if it will one day merit a perfect score or not.