The 2019 Ricasoli Casalferro Merlot, produced by Barone Ricasoli in Tuscany, Italy, is a red wine with a cork closure and an alcohol content of 14.5%. This vintage has received high praise from several professional wine reviewers, highlighting its quality and potential for aging.
James Suckling awarded the wine an impressive score of 98 points, describing it as having “super aromas of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries, and blackberries,” with additional hints of dried flowers. Suckling notes that it is “full-bodied, yet compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate, giving it a fine-velvet texture.” He emphasizes the wine’s precision and sophistication, suggesting that it has great potential and will be at its best from 2026.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the 2019 Casalferro a score of 94 points. The review by ML highlights the wine’s classic vintage and its Tuscan character, stating, “You know you are drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate flutter of aromas that includes wild cherry, purple fruits, violet, and spice.” This review underscores the Italian personality imparted to the Merlot grape in this wine.
Vinous, with a review by Antonio Galloni, also awarded the wine 94 points, describing it as “terrific” with flavors of “ripe dark cherry/plum fruit, licorice, spice, new leather, menthol, and mocha.” Galloni points out the wine’s “Chianti Classico vibrancy,” adding to its appeal.
Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson gave the wine 93 points, noting its “rich, dark expression of Merlot” and its balance between “austerity and generosity.” Sanderson suggests that the wine will be best enjoyed from 2025 through 2038, highlighting its potential for aging.
Jeb Dunnuck’s Audrey Frick provided a score of 91 points, describing the wine as a “deep reflective magenta color” with aromas of “fresh violets, blueberry, red plum, cedar, and mocha.” Frick notes the wine’s “plush with ripe tannins and a savory earth tone on the palate,” suggesting it is prime for drinking over the next 5-7 years.
Overall, the 2019 Ricasoli Casalferro Merlot is a well-crafted, sophisticated wine with a strong Tuscan identity and excellent aging potential, as evidenced by its high scores and detailed praise from professional reviewers.