Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.5

Started off wary and cautious, then went ape shit with all the requisite autumn forest, damp earth, mature fruit, etc. Hard to ask for more. Strong ligaments, tendons and connective tissue. Minimal body fat. — 23 days ago

romo

9.0

Classic. Young. En mag. — a month ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

Swooning for Sangiovese this is much more open than the 14-16 at this age, perfect, classic Sangiovese. This bottle really brought the Montevertine comparison into focus. Gentle, perfumed, elegant red fruit, florals and spice, persistent and complex. — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song.

From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years. — a month ago

Brandon Chew

9.3

Violet lavender rose plum but always with grip oh my@goodness — 5 months ago

Adam Gäfvert

8.9

This is fine. The nose is very appealing but on the palate this falls a bit short. I don’t know but Sangiovese has not been a friend of mine. Maybe I need to stop using Montevertine as a benchmark. — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured. The 2014 Montevertine is a little shy at first but with a little air, the quality becomes undeniable. Still developing, this is a beautiful and elegant expression from Radda with notes of Bing cherry, leather, red flowers, dried herbs, ferrous minerals and subtle spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long and gives the impression that you’re drinking something special. While this is showing well now, this will drink very well through 2030 and likely beyond. — a month ago

Matt Perlman

9.2

High toned, herbal, easy drinking introduction to Montevertine and unparalleled bolognese companion — a month ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

Excellent, if you love sangiovese, in the style of Boncie, Montevertine, or Stella this is your huckleberry! — 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

I brought this bottle to the Tasting Group and served double-blind. Popped and poured. Deep, translucent ruby with a watery rim. On the nose: red cherries, dried herbs, Earl Grey, dusty earth and a hint of baking spice. On the palate: again with the red cherries, black tea, and dried herbs. Medium tannins and good acid. Impeccable balance. Finish is long and a touch savory. One taster remarked that it reminded him of Montevertine (whoa, he was close!). Pound for pound, one of the best Rosso’s coming from Montalcino that can be had at any price and this can be had under $30 all day. The 2016 is a fire cracker in its youth and delivering the goods right now. A contrast to the 2015 which, to my palate, was a touch flabby. Absolutely charming. — 3 years ago