exclusive debut

2021 Lamaione

Toscana IGT

“In the 1970s, driven by the courage essential to every entrepreneur, we planted the first Merlot shoots in unusually clay-rich terrain. This was a major challenge that resulted in the creation in 1991 of Lamaione, a solitary horseman, proud and powerful, riding through Montalcino.”

- Lamberto Frescobaldi

Tenuta CastelGiocondo

Located in Montalcino, Tenuta CastelGiocondo has been in the Frescobaldi family since its purchase in 1989. Vittorio Frescobaldi began working as the estate’s agronomist in 1973, though the history of this ancient stronghold stretches back to the 12th century, when it was built to defend the road from Siena to the sea. The estate has always been a true pioneer in Montalcino and one of the few wineries to produce Sangiovese since the early 1800s; a document attests to a tasting of the 1834 vintage in 1878.

CastelGiocondo means “lovable castle,” and the label shows a fresco painted by Simone Martini depicting a historic attack on the Montemassi castle in 1323. Tenuta CastelGiocondo is a standard-bearer of the appellation, and its wines are all about power and longevity. Learn more here.

Vinification and aging

The Lamaione vineyard is located at an elevation of 300 meters above sea level, on marine clay soils and southwest exposure. Merlot grapes were carefully selected and harvested by hand in boxes. Once at the winery, destemming was followed by manual sorting of the berries. Fermentation was carried out in temperature-controlled steel tanks. Then the wine matured for 21 months in 80% new French oak barriques; this was followed by a further period of aging in the bottle. At the end of this process, Lamaione 2021 turned out ready to conquer the most demanding palates, thanks to a particularly favorable season.

Vintage notes

The 2021 season will be remembered as a dynamic one. After a rainy and mild winter, which had resulted in a slight advance in sprouting, temperatures dropped sharply in early April, slightly slowing sprout growth. From May onward, temperatures rose again, leading to a summer that will be remembered both for beautiful day-night ranges and for the long period of intense heat. The berries presented themselves for harvest in a perfect state of health, thanks to mild temperatures and low humidity.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Lamaione Merlot presents a beautiful, impenetrable, intense ruby red color. The bouquet is complex and intriguing, ranging from ripe fruit notes such as cherry and plum to small red and black fruits. The nose continues with sensations of cocoa powder, roasting, black tea leaves and a delicate menthol sensation. On the palate, it is enveloping, warm, soft and with caressing tannins. The aromatic persistence is very long.

Domaine Roy & fils members are invited to enjoy exclusive first access with their Fall Release.

The 2021 Lamaione is offered in limited release at $90 per bottle. Elevate your cellar with a bespoke wooden case of six for $540, with preferred pricing extended to our members.