Varvara 2016 Bolgheri, Castello Di Bolgheri

Located in the heart of Tuscany's gold coast, since 1997 the vineyards of Castello Bolgheri have been planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. The vineyards have prime south-west exposure and the rows are perpendicular to the sea enjoying the cooling afternoon breezes on hot days. Varvàra is named in honor of the Baronessa Varvàra Wrangel, wife of Count Ugolino della Gerardesca, great grandfather of Federico Zileri Dal Verme, the owner of Castello di Bolgheri. The wine is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The grapes are all hand picked and carefully sorted at the winery, after a slow fermentation it aged 12 months in new French oak barrels.

James Suckling scored this 94 points saying "This sophisticated, Bolgheri red has dense aromas of black and blue fruit that easily dominate the fine, toasty and bitter-chocolate oak character. Fleshy, but not a jot too ripe, the silky tannins give the long finish a lot of appeal. Drink or hold."

The Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "Though tightly packed and supported by a dense matrix of tannins, this offers appealing purity of the black currant and blackberry fruit. Concentrated yet lively, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, spice and mineral. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2035."