Ruffino Toscana Modus 2012: Very dark ruby color; robust Super Tuscan made with 50% sangiovese, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot;
massive black cherry, blackberry, plum, smoke, bitter chocolate, blackcurrant tang, oak; surprisingly supple tannin, good acidity, soft in the mouth; concentrated, powerful, opulent, layers of flavor, well-executed modern style. Benefits from air; decant. Ruffino is a Constellation Brands leader in Italian wines with broad distribution and good pricing. The winery began with cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino in 1877 in the small town of Pontassieve, near Florence. Their wines were winning gold medals by the 1880s. In the 1970s Ruffino helped restore the image of Chianti with higher quality and a move from the distinctive straw-covered flask into Florentine bottles; by 1984 they achieved DOCG status, Italy’s highest recognition of quality wine, and the first Chianti to achieve that recognition. Ruffino began producing Modus in 1997 and it quickly achieved superstar ratings from big dogs of the wine world; 90s from Parker, 90s-plus from Wine Enthusiast, 95 from James Suckling, a 96 from Wine Spectator (“palate is full and utterly captivating, with its combination of fruit and very subtle, silky tannins”). Each grape variety is aged separately in small French and American oak casks for a year before they are blended and bottled. Delicious achievement, will win you over to Super Tuscans if you are not there already. Nice price for the value delivered. $26 