Region: Tuscany, Italy

Vintage: 2016

Composition: 77% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot

History: Located in the southeast corner of Chianti Classico, in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Arcanum vineyards are among the most prized in Tuscany. There, international winemaker Pierre Seillan draws on his experience in Bordeaux and California to produce three Bordeaux-style blends of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Vigneron Pierre Seillan began working with Cabernet Franc five decades ago on his family’s estate in Armagnac. He later moved to the Loire Valley, then spent twenty years in Bordeaux before being drawn to California in 1997. Pierre Seillan has spent the last five decades honing his micro-cru philosophy to create world-class wines. His passion lies in making wines from diverse terroirs, using the same approach to capture the unique expressions of Sonoma County, Bordeaux and Tuscany with each vintage.

Tasting Notes:

From an opaque dark ruby, almost purple core, exudes a moderately intense wine displaying aromas of wild raspberries, cherry pie compote with accents of powdered cinnamon and red flowers. The flavors match the aroma profile, but are structured with a prominent earthy, pencily scent, and a powdery mineral scent. Spicy notes of pepper and hints of cedar frame a richness that extends into a long, youthful finish.