It is with immense privilege that OHMS Connoisseurs Choice presents this exceptionally rare and profoundly significant offering for this big bottles in original boxes wine auction. We bring to market a magnificent double magnum Jeroboam of the 2002 Il Caberlot from Podere Il Carnasciale, presented in its original, immaculate wooden case. This is not merely a bottle of fine wine; it is a profound testament to viticultural innovation and the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking, a liquid masterpiece in a format reserved for true rarity. Jeroboam number 32. The Il Caberlot Legacy: A Pioneer of the Super Tuscan Movement Podere Il Carnasciale is an estate of singular distinction, an iconoclastic haute couture winery nestled in the remote foothills of the Valdarno mountains. Its reputation is built entirely on the cultivation and vinification of a single, enigmatic grape: Caberlot. This variety is a natural, spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, a genetic anomaly discovered in the 1960s and grown exclusively at this small, boutique estate. In the tradition of the great Super Tuscans—those audacious wines that defied convention and redefined the landscape of Italian oenology—Il Caberlot stands as a modern masterpiece. While the pioneers of the movement blended international varieties, Il Carnasciale took a unique path, mastering a single, unclassified grape to create a wine of unparalleled character and complexity. It is this unwavering commitment to a truly unique expression of terroir that has cemented Il Caberlot's position as a cult wine of global renown, sought after by discerning collectors and connoisseurs. Vintage 2002: A Year of Challenge and Character The 2002 vintage in Tuscany was marked by unusually cool and wet conditions, making it one of the most difficult years in recent memory. A late spring brought heavy rainfall, and the summer months remained cooler than average with persistent showers. Many producers struggled with rot and were forced to harvest early, often before full phenolic ripeness was achieved. However, Podere Il Carnasciale’s meticulous vineyard management and low-yield philosophy allowed them to craft a wine of remarkable finesse and longevity despite the climatic adversity. This vintage is a testament to the estate’s resilience and precision. While many Tuscan wines from 2002 are considered past their prime, Il Caberlot has aged gracefully, especially in large-format bottles. The double magnum format enhances its aging potential, preserving freshness and complexity over time. Drinking Window and Evolution The 2002 Il Caberlot is entering its peak maturity, offering a harmonious balance of tertiary aromas and structural integrity. It is drinking beautifully now and is expected to remain vibrant through the early to mid 2030s. The double magnum format ensures a slower evolution, making this bottle ideal for continued cellaring or immediate enjoyment. Critical Acclaim The 2002 Il Caberlot received 90 points from Vinous, with praise for its aromatic depth and elegant texture. CellarTracker community ratings average around 93 points, highlighting notes of blackcurrant, cassis, white pepper, and herbs. The wine is described as round, soft, and well-balanced, with medium-plus acidity and a velvety mouthfeel. Awards and Recognition Il Caberlot has earned cult status among collectors and critics. Antonio Galloni has described it as one of the most unique wines from Italy. Its exclusivity, innovative grape variety, and artisanal production have made it a benchmark for boutique winemaking in Tuscany. Though the 2002 vintage was not widely awarded due to the challenging conditions, the wine’s enduring quality and rarity speak volumes about the estate’s commitment to excellence. Meticulous Craftsmanship: From Vineyard to Jeroboam The winemaking philosophy at Podere Il Carnasciale is one of extreme dedication and minimal intervention. The vineyard work is performed entirely by hand, with no chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides used. Grapes are harvested manually and sorted in the vineyard with the motto, what you would not put into your mouth does not go into the wine. The fruit is fermented spontaneously in stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity of the Caberlot grape. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 22 months in carefully selected French oak barrels, typically 50 to 60 percent new. A defining characteristic of Il Caberlot is its exclusive bottling policy: it is only bottled in magnum or larger formats, a practice that emphasizes the wine's importance and longevity. The larger bottle size ensures a slower, more graceful aging process, allowing the wine to develop a sublime complexity that is simply unmatched in standard formats. This limited bottling, from a very small production of around 3,000 magnums per year, underscores the wine's extreme rarity, and the double magnum format is even more limited. A Collector's Dream: Condition, Scarcity, and Exclusivity This double magnum of Il Caberlot is a work of art and a testament to scarcity. Each bottle is personally numbered by the estate's matriarch, Bettina Rogosky, a detail that adds to its provenance and collectibility. The bottle offered here is number 32, a truly special and low-numbered release. The condition of this offering is pristine. The bottle exhibits a perfectly intact wax seal and label, with a high fill level that attests to impeccable storage conditions. The wine was delivered directly to our cellar in October 2007 and has been stored in our professional, humidity and temperature-controlled wine cellar, meeting the most rigorous OHMS standards. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Jeroboam of this iconic wine, in a presentation that befits its legendary status. This lot represents the confluence of a legendary winery, a unique grape, and a vintage that reveals its true pedigree through the passage of time. For the collector who seeks rarity, history, and uncompromising quality, this is an acquisition of a lifetime. Bid now to secure your piece of the Il Caberlot legacy.