2014 Fortissimo
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Fortissimo is our way of paying respect to the pioneers of Tuscany who challenged the traditions of winemaking in the 50s and 60s to gain recognition for their wines. The 2013 vintage of Fortissimo had the highest percentage of Sangiovese to date, but then 2014 came along: 21% Sangiovese in the final blend. In 2014, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon both reached high 14% and low 15% alc at their optimum ripeness, combined with less than ideal PH. Our Sangiovese with its high 12% low 13% alc at harvest, combined with its naturally high acidity and those sought after gritty tannins, came to the rescue. 2014 Fortissimo is as outstanding as we thought it would be; all the components are married seamlessly together. The large format puncheons and Hungarian and Slavonian oak are evident in the subtle way the oak is present. Overall the wine has fantastic layers of flavour and nuances. Bing cherry mingles with red and black cherry fruit. Herbal underbrush notes meet tobacco notes and damp earth. One built for early to mid-term drinking, as well as cellaring with a medium+ aging curve ahead.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Veal Osso Bucco or Tuscan Roast Lamb with a rosemary crust.
ACCOLADES AND REVIEWS
"The 2014 edition of the Fortissimo sees 57% Merlot, 21% Sangiovese 11% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon blended to create a beautiful wine combining brambly berry fruit flavours and acidity, lush tannins, savoury notes and spicy oak. The finish is oh, so long and well-balanced with cherry, dried herbs, vanilla and pipe tobacco lingering. Ready to go now, but will improve with another 2 years of ageing. Drink 2018-2021 for best results." 91-92pts - Liam Carrier | IconWines.ca
"The increasingly impressive wines from the La Stella and Le Vieux Pin stable continue. Fortissimo is Merlot based with 21% Sangiovese and the two Cabernets. It has an intense and ripe nose of blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum, blueberry and some savoury black olive and leather notes. The palate is quite plush and rich but has plenty of savoury leather and spice and crisp acidity giving a rich yet fresh and complex wine. Drinking well now but should be even better with 2-4 years and will keep for 10+." 91 points - Rhys Pender (MW)
"In 2014 Fortissimo is mostly merlot with sangiovese playing a vital role along with a splash of cabernet sauvignon. This is found to be softer, more amenable and structured with bungalow sprawl. Bright, maximum juiced red berry fruit resemblance is anti-savoury, friendly, and ready to roll but still with some smoky spice. The 21 per cent sangiovese is significant (up seven points from 2013) so the Classico factor runs high. This is the alternative world case of Fortissimo where in some years you make Chianti Classico and in others, Gran Selezione. Though she may not consider 2014 to be her most accomplished Fortissimo, winemaker Severine Pinte will have to accept that she has procured a very elegant red blend. A Classico. Drink 2016-2020. Tasted June 2016." 91 points - Michael Godel
"This is the winery’s bread and butter signature wine – a blend of 57% Merlot, 21% Sangiovese, and 11% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc . . . The Sangiovese brings cherry aromas that blend with flavours of black currant, saddle leather and mocha chocolate. The tannins are long and silky." 92 Points - John Schreiner
"Merlot, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from the south Okanagan come together in this alluring Tuscan-inspired red. Black cherry, leather, graphite, dark florals, wild blackberry, and branch are seamlessly intertwined with this full, flowing red. Acidity pulses along structured, supple tannins, finishing with a long tug of grippy spice, a welcome lingering effect of light filtration. Much more approachable in youth than previous vintages. Even so, decanting is welcome, and helps this density relax further. Drinking beautifully now, but will continue to deepen with 5+ years in the cellar. 91 points - Treve Ring
