2021 Bibi Graetz Colore
  • 97
  • 99
  • 98
  • Nick's Import

2021 Bibi Graetz Colore

Tuscany, ITALY
$450. 00
Bottle
$5400.00 Dozen
Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2033-2038)
ABV: 14%
Closure: Cork

Fascinated by old vines, in just 20 years, Bibi Graetz has assembled one of the largest holdings of old vineyards in Tuscany. He shuns the traditionalist Chianti constraints and unlike other Super Tuscan producers focuses on championing the local varieties of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino rather than pursuing Bordeaux blends.

Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Expressively scented with aromas of spicy red currants and red cherries tinged with a mix of violets, dried herbs and earth emanating from the glass. Hints of cedar and tobacco are also apparent. Intense, beautifully refined, focused and sculptured, the mid weighted palate is richly flavoured with delicious red currant and red cherry fruits which sit over a spicy back drop of earthy graphite like characters, tobacco, pencilly cedar and infusions of dried herbs. Muscular and elegant in its feel with a tightly knit tannin framework. Good tension with a long red fruited finish showing great vitality and force.
Cellar 10-15 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews....
Intense aromas of purple fruits such as raspberry, spice, lead pencil and granite. Perfumed flowers as well. Full-bodied, tight with poised tannins that show transparency and focus. Crunchy and very long. Better after 2028 when it opens and integrates beautifully.
99 points
JamesSuckling.com

The Bibi Graetz 2021 Colore is Sangiovese from old vines, but otherwise, winemaking and the oak regime is identical to the other top red, Testamatta. In this case, fruit comes from the Lamole area with vineyards at a high 600 meters above sea level. Some are south-facing but high up on the mountain. As Bibi explains: “Colore delivers power and freshness, whereas Testamatta delivers transparency and freshness.” The Colore shows the pure energy and liveliness of Sangiovese with violet, wild cherry and orange zest. The wine delivers an elegantly earthy side with a very delineated mouthfeel driven by very fine, silly tannins. This is a beautiful wine with delicately sweet cherry on the finish. Bibi has been making little changes to this wine over the years (other than giving it a new winery home in Fiesole) to capture an ideal or benchmark for Sangiovese. His 2021 is his best wine yet. Production is 35,000 bottles, which is slightly lower compared to the last vintage. Drink 2024-2045.
98+ points
Monica Larner – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate