2013 Candialle, IGT Rosso Toscano "Ciclope"

When Jarkko Peränen went to Chianti about 30 years ago the plan was to work a harvest and then return to his native Finland with his wife Josaphin. Instead they fell in love with the region, and in 1999 purchased a little farm in Panzano where they’ve been ever since. Chianti, and its primary grape Sangiovese, is their passion, but they also have some lovely parcels of Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, so . . . why not do their own “Super Tuscan” blend? Of course this isn’t a super slick, point chaser, it’s a robust, soulful, complex wine that has now aged to perfection. Named for a dog who lost an eye to a porcupine, “Ciclope” has so much character and aromatic pizzazz for the money it’s down right shocking–this is one of the most complete red wines that is sub $40 I’ve seen in ages. Grab as much as you can! Although Josephin and Jarkko Peränen purchased their beautiful property in 1999 (releasing their first wines in 2002), the estate is a former podere (sharecropper farm) dating back