2012 Villa i Cipressi, Rosso di Montalcino DOC, Tuscany, Italy.
This 100% Sangiovese Grosso, by former Honey barons Villa i Cipressi is gorgeous and lingering with perfumed fruit, rich texture and a wonderfully long finish, this wine is pure class. I was blown away, it really stood out with impressive personality, charm and graceful details it starts with a mix of flowers, a dark ruby/garnet hue, hints of mineral and stones along with pleasing savory herbs, chalky dust, red spice, sweet tobacco, cedar and strawberry liqueur to go along with a core of plum, cherry, raspberry and mulberry core. While the world climbs all over itself for the 2010 Brunello wines, this little beauty can be a great wine to enjoy while those big brother Brunelli age in the cellar, this sublime effort is ready to go right now, not waiting required or needed. Villa i Cipressi farms two distinct plots, one close to the town and heart of Montalcino itself and the other just south in Castelnuovo dell’ Abate, these tiny parcels hardly add to much at 3 Hectares, but the Rosso and Brunello are stunning examples of terroir and passion. The Rosso di Montalcino is the secret star here and a bargain with it’s sweet and succulent fruit, subtle complexity and vivid transparency, drink now or from 2015 to 2019.
($26 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
