AJ | Dark, limpid black-red. Lively and a touch livid: bright, pungent, characterful, with a touch of rubber and tar as well as the ripe fruits. I'll give this time in the glass and take a second look. 5 mins later: actually the same. i.e. an articulate and in many way attractive nose but with a few internal discords. In some ways these add to the intrigue. Clearly a very good wine here, with much more breadth and dimension to it than is true for many of its peers. Overally wealth of flavour, ripeness, energy, acid-tannin balance, finish and follow-through are all excellent. Deserves a good score, despite my reservations about the aroma. This will make terrific drinking. The rubbery aromas are a shame, and I go back an hour later and they are still there. Drink Dates: 2026 - 2036. 90
BB | Garnet to pink. Touch closed, mineral, black fruits, spicy nose with smoke and leather undertones. Mature yet lively and mineral palate with clean red and black fruits, crushed stones, fine tannins and long, salty finish. Classy Sangiovese for the cellar. Drink Dates: 2026 - 2038. 95