2015 Poggio di Sotto, Rosso di Montalcino

Rosy and minty fresh with bright dusty cherry, zests of orange and hints of sage, the 2015 Rosso di Montalcino is stunning. Here I’m finding lavender notes giving way to tart cherry with a hint of balsamic spice over vibrant acidity. It plays a sweet and sour act upon the senses. This leaves the mouth watering for more, as a light coating of tannin completes its totally classic finale. This bottle was open for over twenty-four hours before my glass was poured.

It has been too long since I last tasted the Rosso made by Poggio di Sotto, so I was very happy to include this sample in my flight. The 2015 Rosso di Montalcino opens to a mild garnet color and light appearance. The bouquet is very polished and precise. It offers clean aromas of wild berry and rose hip with some bitter almond and blue violets. To me, this wine delivers on all the expectations of this lower-tier category. The wine imparts beautiful Sangiovese purity with a bright, streamlined and informal personality. This is a lovely, lovely Rosso.

Mid to deep ruby. Brooding deep cherry nose. Gorgeous succulence and aromatic build-up of cherry fruit on the finish. Bags of ripe, coating tannins supporting the fruit. Intense, long and elegant all at the same time. (WS)

Two years in botti, before selection for Rosso or Brunello. Pale-medium ruby. Floral and creamy touches to ripe red cherry and some nutty breadth. Juicy, brisk acidity, with ripe red cherry, more creaminess to the mid palate, with some fresh-leather breadth. Supple, moderate, resolving tannins. Decent length. (TJ)