Ruffino Modus Primo Toscana 2019 750ml

From one of Tuscany's most historic producers comes this ambitious Super Tuscan that showcases Ruffino's evolution from traditional Chianti maker to creator of world-class modern wines. 'Modus Primo' represents the pinnacle of the estate's Bordeaux-inspired blends, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese from prime vineyard sites to create a wine of remarkable power and sophistication. The 2019 vintage, blessed with ideal growing conditions, has produced a wine of exceptional quality and aging potential.

The wine displays a deep, inky purple color that speaks to its concentration and youth. The nose is immediately impressive, offering waves of black fruits—cassis, blackberry, and black cherry—interwoven with complex layers of cedar, graphite, and dark chocolate. As the wine opens, additional notes emerge: espresso, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. The oak influence is present but beautifully integrated, adding complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

On the palate, Modus Primo delivers a magnificent combination of power and elegance. The texture is full-bodied and velvety, with ripe, polished tannins that provide structure without aggression. Rich flavors of black fruits dominate, complemented by notes of mocha, licorice, and grilled herbs. The Sangiovese component adds a distinctly Tuscan character with hints of cherry, leather, and earth that prevent this from being just another international-style red. The wine's impeccable balance suggests both immediate appeal and long-term aging potential.

What distinguishes this Ruffino flagship is its successful marriage of international style with Tuscan soul. While clearly inspired by Bordeaux, the wine maintains a sense of place through the inclusion of Sangiovese and the expression of Tuscan terroir. The meticulous selection of fruit from the estate's best blocks, combined with careful extraction and aging in premium French oak, results in a wine that can compete with the world's finest while maintaining its Italian identity.

The finish is extraordinarily long and layered, with waves of fruit, spice, and mineral notes that seem to go on forever. This is a wine built for the cellar, with the concentration and structure to evolve beautifully over the next two decades, though it's already showing beautifully with proper decanting. It pairs magnificently with grilled ribeye, osso buco, aged cheeses, or any dish worthy of a special occasion. For those seeking a Super Tuscan that delivers both power and finesse, this Modus Primo represents exceptional value in the world of premium Italian reds.