Gaja Ca’ Marcanda Promis Toscana 2012

Garnet color with some translucence; beautiful nose of blackberry, violets, raspberry; ripe cherry, blackberry, spice, plum on the palate; bright fruit, lush in the mouth, superb acidity, firm tannin, wonderful minerality and chalk on excellent, long finish.

Gaja is one of Italy’s best makers, consistently scoring in the 90s, as this Super Tuscan offering has done for several vintages. This effort comes from legendary Angelo Gaja and his vineyards in the Maremma coastal district in southwestern Tuscany, mostly in Bolgheri and some in Livorno, which receives coastal weather. It was started in 1996 and now is partly operated by his daughter Gaia Gaja. Vineyards are certified organic or in the end stages of certification.

Promis comes from the Livorno vineyards where sea air influences the grapes; 55% merlot, 35% syrah, 10% sangiovese; aging occurs in new French oak for 10 months.

Gaja on a label pretty much guarantees a first-class wine experience, and this beauty allow you to sip excellence at a price that doesn’t require a trust fund or royalty checks. $45

U.S. importer of Gaja website

Second photo: Angelo and Gaia GajaGaja Ca’ Marcanda Promis ToscanaAngelo and Gaia Gaja