The year 2020 was a warm vintage for the entire Tuscan coast, but Riparbella is located close enough to the sea that you can literally feel its influence on your skin. Duemani’s Cabernet Franc is grown in the winery’s highest-altitude vineyards, located at an elevation of 250-300 meters. Nighttime temperatures here are relatively low, which contributed to slow ripening and the preservation of acidity. Elena Celli and Luca d'Attoma practice biodynamic farming here, certified to the Demeter standard. In 2020, the elevation played a significant role. The result is a Cabernet Franc in which the warmth of that year and the freshness derived from the high elevation come together in exquisite harmony. Although the vineyard is located less than 15 kilometers from the coast, its atmosphere is so different that it feels like a completely different world.
James Suckling (95)
A pure and juicy red with black berries, juicy fruit, spice and fresh herbs, like thyme. Some terra-cotta. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a creamy texture. Plenty of flavor at the end.
Vinous (94)
The 2020 Duemani is classy, refined and supple. Mocha, dried herbs, menthol, rose petals and succulent red/purplish fruit all meld together effortlessly. A bit of aeration brings out the wine's energy and vibrancy, both of which are admirable. I would give it a year or two in bottle to see if a more aromatic Franc character emerges. Today, the 2020 is still very much on the fruity side.
Falstaff (97)
Dark ruby red with a subtle lightening on the rim. On the nose, a lovely touch of blood orange zest, cassis, a hint of eucalyptus, liquorice, incense, very fruity. On the palate, juicy, fleshy, with precise fruit, savoury, aristocratic, wonderfully long, rosemary on the finish.
