Quite approachable at this young age. 30 minutes decant and it’s open for business. Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, sweet spices, cocoa, and lightly roasted nuts. The depth of flavors and elegant medium to full body show the pedigree. If blinded, I would not be able to tell this is a Sangiovese dominant blend. Would prefer a bit more acidity. But who am I to complain. — 2 days ago
Really excellent. From half bottle and was worried this would be too far gone. Certainly doesn’t need more time - but still quite together. Pretty minerally (in a nice St Julien way). Lighter bodied at this point but still with a nice lifting acid at the finish. Excellent pairing with a simple roast chicken with lemon. — 3 days ago
Quite floral with plummy cassis, creamy blackberry and a touch of pencil lead, crushed rocks . On the palate this has quite good freshness , ripe cassis and blackberry , but with dusty firm tannins . Mineral , seashell hints of on the good length finish . Quite richly fruited but well balanced overall . This needs more time but for 2018 is promising, balanced with good freshness . Come back in 10 -15 years and will show well a further 10 — 2 days ago
Tried 3 years ago, and it was a tannic bottle of disappointment, it's changed for the better.
2 hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A splendid dark purplish magenta color. On the nose: dark fruit, cocoa, pencil shavings, floral, cigar box, menthol. Taste: soft, elegant wine with some black/red fruit, currants, crushed stone, and an earthy black tea lean medium finish. Not the depth and power of a great year, drinks well now...not sure how much more this will improve. — 2 days ago
Only had a taste but the reputation is undeniable. Giving and polished with no hard edges. Definitely robbing the cradle as the wine is dormant right now. I always confuse which wines from this region contain Sangiovese and this one does not. Wears the 14.5% abv. beautifully. Will enthrall with time but patience is suggested. — 2 days ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Nearly 20 years in bottle. It is still ascending will drink well for another 15 days plus years.
From a warm vintage. Beautiful, even toned fruits with elegant earth & amazing lead pencil bloom for days.
This is approaching its peak, another 5 years from its peak.
Well resolved wine-fruits. The fruits are juicy, blackberries, black raspberries, plum skin, dark cherries & slightly, poached strawberries with a highlight of pomegranate. Mocha, dark chocolate, black tea, sandalwood, sandstone, limestone, some mushroom notes, dark, rich turned earth w/ dry leaves, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry herbs, dry stone, caramel notes, dry, withering, dark, purple & red flowers with excellent acidity, balance, tension, structure and finish for days that lasts 90 seconds. — a day ago