Dark in color with a smokey/oaky nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely rich black fruits. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely dryness and mild acidity. This is a very good wine, and given the price of $23.95 is a great deal. I would give it an 88-89. Sadly not in the LCBO, but available from Noble Estates.
From the winery’s web site:
‘Non Confunditur’ is a Latin term that means unique, unmistakable. We christened this wine Non Confunditur as a tribute to Argiano’s prestigious and glorious past. Non Confunditur is the product of the unique combination of Tuscan and French grapes. Since 2002, NC has earned its place alongside the finest Tuscan blends.
Organoleptic characteristics
NC is a wine with a decisive, full-bodied character, smooth tannins and a persistent finish. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese reveals an exciting potency, with the innate gentleness of Merlot creating a bridge between the evident earthiness of Sangiovese, the aromatic blackcurrant flavour of Cabernet and the warm red berries of Syrah. The result is a generous, rounded red wine, destined for short to medium ageing, with delicious aromas of currants and generous fruit flavours, versatile enough to develop in greater depth during long months in the bottle.
Climatic conditions
The vineyards of Argiano benefit from a favourable microclimate and an enviable position which contribute to the development of the vines. The extended vegetative cycle and ripening period are due to the altitude of the plateau, 300 m above sea level, which determines cool nights in the summer months. The generally moderate rainfall in Montalcino favours better, healthier ripening of the grapes, conveying greater concentration and aromas to the wine. This, together with the hot and constant winds that blow from the Maremma, cooling the bunches of grapes during the hottest summer days, allows slower ripening of the grapes, determining favourable general conditions. Lastly, Argiano is close to Mount Amiata, one of Tuscany’s highest peaks, which protects the entire area from bad weather. The combination of all these factors enables Argiano to make high profile wines and constantly good vintages, year after year.
Vinification
The grape harvest usually begins in the middle of September, when the Syrah and Merlot are picked, and is completed at the beginning of October, with the Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of the four different grape-varieties used in the blend – Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah – is fermented separately in order to preserve their individual characteristics. Before blending, the wine is aged for a short period of time in French oak barriques which have already been used once before, in the traditional large Slavonian oak barrels and in stainless steel tanks, to soften the tannins and harmonise the different flavours of each grape-variet
