2012 Arcanum 'Valadorna' Toscana IGT Tuscany, Italy

The nose bursts with ripe black cherry, violets and chocolate.  On the palate, flavors are dominated by blueberry and cassis with soft., round, inviting tannins.  The finish show sweet tobacco and earth tones reminiscent of cypress.  As one expects from a Merlot based wine with a warm summer, the texture is opulent and juicy.  The surprise provided by the cool picking season of the 2012 vintage, is that under this opulence is a freshness and structure that suggests a beautiful age ability.  The blend is 70% Melrot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 12 months in 70% new French oak.