...In L.A. last weekend, served blind:
1994 Marchesi Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Concerto Vino da Tavola SuperTuscan Blend
The age on this was immediately evident, and the cabernet really shows. I wanted to like it more for it's age and elegance, but it's on the downhill slope and couldn't hold up.
2019 Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti) Saffredi Toscana IGT Red Bordeaux Blend
Great nose and body, very Bordeauxish, good mouthfeel with obvious viscosity in the glass. My 3rd place, group 2nd.
2018 Ross Toscana
You read that right, Ross not Rosso. Plain label, pale color: looked and tasted cheap. All alcohol heat and watermelon candy. But finally something we can agree on: everybody's last place.
2018 Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna di Arcanum Toscana IGT SuperTuscan Blend
My contribution. 100% merlot. Andouzed overnight before the tasting. Concentrated black fruits with dark chocolate, tar and black coffee. A stunner, my and group's 1st place.
2019 Caiarossa Caiarossa Toscana IGT SuperTuscan Blend
Rich cedar, tobacco, red and black fruits, big tannins, good structure. Needs time. My 4th, group 5th.
2020 Marchesi Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Concerto Toscana IGT SuperTuscan Blend
Sweet tobacco, bing cherry, red currant, and leather. Vibrant acidity, firm tannins, long and elegant finish. Young but with great potential. 80% Sangiovese and 20% CS. Served blind in a group of six: my 2nd place, group 3rd and I'm sure it would have competed with the Valadorna for first had it also been prepped overnight.