Ca' Marcanda (Gaja) Magari (2017)

The nose is rich and complex with appealing notes of carob and tamarind. The palate is vibrant with notes of grapefruit, red orange and Mediterranean botanical herbs. Extremely juicy with fine-grained, silky tannins with a long-lasting, sapid finish. Blend: 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot

Pair this wine alongside grilled and roasted red meats, pizza, pasta, casseroles/stews, mature strong cheeses

Tasting Notes

94 Decanter
The Gaja family at its Camarcanda estate is leading a silent revolution. Certified organic, although this is not mentioned, the winery has overturned Merlot for Cabernets and cordon training for guyot in the vineyards. Since 2015 it has introduced concrete and oak along with stainless steel for fermentation. Now it is experimenting with whole clusters, and the oak ageing was sensibly reduced. The 2017 vintage shines for its bright cassis fruit, melded with blackberry and cherry, then leafy and cedary notes to develop garrigue in depth. The creamy and dense palate has almost firm acidity and shows a bit of a dry finish, but otherwise this is hedonistically supple.

93 James Suckling
This is a pure, focused Bolgheri with bright blueberries, freshly picked blackcurrants and citrus. All the more impressively in this hot vintage, the tannins are very tightly strung, fine and grainy, while the finish is medium-long and vivacious. Great drive and composure to this medium-to full-bodied red. Drink from 2021.