Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut - NV (750ml) Navarra but much more backward and

but much more backward and denser

Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc aged 16 months in 76% new French oak casks

Dense crème de cassis

but this should be an Haut-Brion that rivals the greatest ever made at this estate

first reviewed in issue #89

Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut - NV (750ml) Navarra but much more backward andThis is a lively brut, fragrant and tending to smoothness and an accessible sensory lexicon, with a balanced and versatile style. In the glass it is straw yellow in colour with greenish highlights, enlivened by a fine and persistent perlage. The nose is fresh, with floral notes of linden, citrus nuances, white peach and green pepper. The mouth is tight and crisp, fresh and vertical, sapid, refined and with a lingering, very enjoyable finish.