2012 TOP 50 WINES - Rank #3
An excellent follow up to last years outstanding effort, the 2008 is focused and pure with tons of fresh blackberries, dark currants, spices, herbs, graphite, and well-integrated toasted oak which is followed by a blast of freshness from some mineral and floral notes. Dense and concentrated supported by a rock solid core and powerful muscular tannins that deliver dark juicy fruits right into the ultra-long chewy finish. This is a remarkable wine that truly shows the innovative style this wine was first set out to accomplish of bringing together new and old world styles. Composed of 45% Sangiovese and 55% Merlot which is aged for 24 months in hand-split oak barriques: 90% new, 10% one-used. (Best 2014-2029) - October, 2012 (JD)