Icario Rubì delle Pietrose Toscana IGT 2006

A unicorn! 2006, Artisan Wine Shop’s birth year and, coincidentally, one of the best vintages of Italy in the 21st century! A baby super-Tuscan in every sense, this blend is mostly sangiovese with some merlot and teroldego thrown in for good measure. Teroldego, you say? You better believe it! This grape is grown in incredibly small amounts in Tuscany and back in 2006, Icario had some plantings at the time that they utilized for this rare bottling. Named after the vineyard address of the main parcel of the fruit that went into the wine, the ‘Rubi Pietrose,’ was made for 3-4 years before Icario transitioned to featuring solely sangiovese as of 2008. The enologist at the time of this bottling was the renowned Paolo Vagganini, known for his work with Biondi-Santi, Fulgini, and Poggio Antico. Aged for 8-12 months in French oak, braggadocious may have been the original descriptor but the last few years have softened the original attitude; the tie has been loosened and top button undone. Soft and supple with incredibly nuanced complexity, it balances a broody disposition with graceful elegance. It opens with a gorgeous bouquet of dried flowers and lingers with a subtle spice, offering a snapshot in time of Tuscany in all its glory. Sustainably grown.