The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Azienda Agricola Tua Rita Redigaffi 1998 75clIGT | Suvereto | Tuscany | ItalySold outSize 75 clAll vintages 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Critics scores 96 Robert ParkerThe 1998 Redigaffi (2,000+ bottles produced) is profound. I do not normally quote dry extract numbers, because taste is more important than the numbers. However, I could not help but notice one of the highest measured dry extract numbers I have ever seen in a wine with the 1998 Redigaffi -- 39 grams per liter! Made from 100% Merlot, aged in 100% new Allier and Troncais French barrels, it is bottled without fining or filtration. An opaque purple-colored, powerful, enormously-endowed effort, it offers gorgeous black currant, plum, and blackberry fruit characteristics infused with spice box, chocolate, and vanilla. This harmonious wine oozes with extract and glycerin. Extraordinarily pure and impressive, with copious tannin nearly hidden beneath the wine's superb richness, this beauty should be at its apogee between 2004-2020. 93 Wine SpectatorThis is all finesse and richness. Like raspberry sauce. Full-bodied, with superpolished tannins and a long, long finish. Gorgeous Merlot. Best after 2001. 200 cases made. ?JS Producer Azienda Agricola Tua RitaThe demure Tua Rita estate is located in Suvereto, a quaint medieval town found between Livorno and Grosseto. In 1984, Rita Tua and her husband, Virgilio Bisti purchased 6-hectares in southern Tuscany. They immediately planted the land to international varieties – Cabernet and Merlot. The property is now over 25-hectares, and ranks amongst the most consistent producers in Tuscany. Its first vintage was released in 1992, and this was just the start of their worldwide praise and accolades from wine connoisseurs and critics. Tua Rita’s exceptional quality and tiny nature earned it the reputation as one of Italy’s first Garagistes. A term used to describe small Bordeaux producers like Le Pin and Valandraud. Their Redigaffi Merlot has now achieved cult-like status. It was also the first Italian wine to receive a perfect score of 100-points from Robert Parker for its 2000 vintage. Tua Rita’s exciting assortment of reds and whites have almost single-handedly put this bright new zone on Italy’s winemaking map.