Bibi Graetz, Colore 2016

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

A blend of Sangiovese (at about 80% of the mix), Canaiolo and Colorino from three far-removed vineyard parcels in different areas of Tuscany, the 2016 Colore is something of a pan-Tuscan wine. This ambitious wine gives voice to three of the region's most important red grape varieties as well as its most diverse territories (Lamole in Chianti Classico, Vincigliata near Florence and Siena province in the southern part of Tuscany). As a result, this is a statement wine with a lot to say to those careful enough to listen. It's important to be attentive to the details, the small berry fruit aromas that intermingle with nuances of spice, granite stone and pressed blue flower. Pure summer cherry is the dominant aroma on first nose, but it slowly disintegrates as the wine takes on more air to reveal those lighter and more delicate aromas at the back. This vintage offers an ideal dose of structure matched against freshness. Bibi Graetz tells me that fruit in 2015 was beautiful, perfect to look at. Fruit in 2016, however, appeared more sculpted with more darkness and weight. On some level, those descriptions also apply to the character of these two gorgeous back-to-back vintages. Some 6,000 bottles were made.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Eric Guido

The 2016 Colore is dark and brooding in the glass, slowly blossoming with a wave of dried black cherries, sage, cinnamon and crushed ashen stone. It washes across the palate with the silkiest textures imaginable, neatly balanced by brisk acidity, which also helps to enliven its core of tart red and black fruits. This finishes classically structured and incredibly long, leaving sour citrus and sweet herbal tones to linger on. The 2016 still needs time, yet patience will be rewarded.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

This vintage is incredibly sharp and etched in terms of its definition, and that's a quality I find across Tuscany in 2016. The Bibi Graetz 2016 Colore (made with 80% Sangiovese complemented by smaller parts Canaiolo and Colorino) is quite emphatic and shows bigger volume than most of the other wines in this flight. This edition comes from old vines, mostly, and there is a stirring of extra complexity recognizable on the finish, along with smooth tannins and balanced freshness.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Eric Guido

The 2016 Colore is dark and brooding in the glass, slowly blossoming with a wave of dried black cherries, sage, cinnamon and crushed ashen stone. It washes across the palate with the silkiest textures imaginable, neatly balanced by brisk acidity, which also helps to enliven its core of tart red and black fruits. This finishes classically structured and incredibly long, leaving sour citrus and sweet herbal tones to linger on. The 2016 still needs time, yet patience will be rewarded.

james_suckling98

Reviewed by: James Suckling

The aromas are always so complex with cherries, blackberries, rosemary, sage and spice. Full-bodied, very tight and polished with a dense and powerful palate, which opens and grows, yet remains agile and beautiful. A solid red. Wonderful segue from the 2015. 80 per cent sangiovese with colorino and canaiolo. Try after 2022.

james_suckling97

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Floral and perfumed with wonderful firmness and brightness. Mushroom and wet earth. Full-bodied with firm, linear tannins. Long and focused. Racy and refined. Iron and dried mushroom. Drink or hold.