Castel Firmian Lagrein 2021

Lagrein is a variety native to northern Italy and best known for producing wines which are both high in acidity and in tannins, but offering appealing plums, darker fruits and earthy tones. Slightly old-fashioned (in a nice way), they can be full, without being clumsy. This example is deep magenta in colour. We have notes of chocolate, soy, bay leaves and cassis, as well as hints of charcuterie and that bitter almond/sour cherry note on the finish of the palate, tying the wine together with saturated flavours, impressive length, fine but noticeable tannins and bright acidity. This is appealing now but should age well for six to eight years and one can expect the ranking to go higher over that time.