The Guado al Melo 2019 Jassarte is a field blend from the experimental Campo Giardino Vineyard, which is planted to 30 minor indigenous varieties found throughout the greater Mediterranean area and the Caucasus. Michele Scienza researches high-acid grapes that thrive in hot temperatures (in light of climate change). Many of those exciting varieties are present in this blend. The wine's aromas are rooted in floral or herbal qualities with peony, geranium, cut grass, sour cherry and wild plum. The tannins are on the extra firm side and require more time to relax. Jassarte is aged in neutral wood on the lees for 24 months.

A crazy field blend of 30 Mediterranean and Tuscan grape varieties, with 2,800 bottles released, the 2017 Jassarte evokes a "Jurassic" theme in viticulture because the ancient world of wine is magically brought to life in this offbeat, almost paleontological, assembly. I've tasted many vintages of this wine over almost 20 years. I think this is the best and most-balanced edition I have sampled so far. Balance is the operative word, because imagine how challenging it is to make a wine with so many moving parts from an experimental vineyard that mimics a pre-phylloxera garden. Dark fruit and blackberry are followed by toasted spice, graham cracker and some of the other aromas that we saw in the other new releases from Guado al Melo. You can't beat this level of creativity.

This wine flows from the bottle with inky-black intensity and thick concentration. The 2015 Jassarte is dark and succulent, with a warm and loosely knit texture. It is, for the most part, a soothingly soft red blend, but I did notice some spicy acidity on the close. Some 3,500 bottles were made. Jassarte is an ambitious field blend of more than 30 different grape varieties (yes, 30) from the experimental Campo Giardino vineyard that is panted with genetic material sourced from all over the world from east to west. It won't appeal to everyone because its taste profile is so hard to pin down.

Made with a blend of Mediterranean and Caucasian grape varieties, Jassarte shows a green note of medicinal herb with forest berry and bramble. The wine is tight, bright and nicely acidic on the close. ——M.L.(2/1/2012)—— 88

Jassarte is a noteworthy, and somewhat experimental, blend of more than 20 Mediterranean and Caucasian grape varieties with a dark ruby color and pretty aromas of blackberry, spice, toasted almond and plum. There are hints of chopped herb and mint in there as well. ——M.L.(12/15/2010)—— 88