2009 LaStella Fortissimo Selezione di Famillia

(Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)

$35

Our General Manager explains both the vintage, and our approach to it

2009 was one of the hottest vintages in the Okanagan in many years. We all know that hot vintages are good for grape growing. However this doesn't tell the complete story.

The word structure is commonly heard when talking about good red wines - but what is structure? Simply put the structure of red wines is the combination of body (weight), acidity, alcohol and tannin in the wine. In a perfect world you would create a wine with high acidity, balanced alcohol and lots of nice ripe tannins.

A warm vintage will get you the ripe tannins and nice body. Unfortunately you sometimes pay for this with lower acidity. A cool vintage will give you the acidity but can leave the wine without the desired body and with overly aggressive tannins.

In 2009 there was no shortage of heat and a rich ripe wine with great body and rounded tannins was clearly in the cards. But at LaStella we aim to have a complete wine, and that means keeping the acidity up.

The solution in 2009 was to pick the grapes slightly earlier than usual -maintaining a more balanced overall structure. We succeeded in keeping the acidity levels up and the wine has no shortage of body, alcohol and ripe round tannins.

Overall we're ecstatic with the results of some tough decisions in a vintage like 2009.  

91 Points - John Szabo (Master Sommelier):

"Merlot and cabernet meet sangiovese in this super-Tuscan-inspired blend from the Okanagan. The nose and palate are firm and elegant in the Italian style, with tight, dusty tannins and marked acidity, even with 14.9% alcohol. Flavours range from red and black berry, to floral nuances to peppery spice to dried cherry and pine needles. Very good depth, complexity and lingering finish. A fine wine all around for fans of the old school style. Tasty now, but better in 2-3 years."

91 Points - David Lawrason:

"The 2009 Fortissimo is incredibly Italian in nature, with 8% sangiovese in the blend. It has a nose of red currant and sundried tomato that could be right out of Tuscany, with fresh green herbs, a touch of conifer, and background leather. It's medium weight, edgy and vibrant yet packing good density and some richness at the same time... there is adequate depth to suggest this will age well. The length and focus are excellent. Tasted February 2012."

90 Points - John Schreiner:

"This is a bold red with an appealing aroma of black currants and with brambly flavours of currants, plums and black berries. There is a lovely core of sweet fruit on the palate supported by ripe tannins."