Bright red fruit (think red currants, sour cherries), with earthy and leathery notes....in short, very Sangiovese. Not a big wine (nor should it be), but true to its Tuscan heritage. Bery enjoyable now, but some tannin on the finish suggest either a decant now or holding another year or two. Has the stuffing to last another five years. Purchased south of the border for $18, a full $9 less than Vintages. 'Nuff said. Tasted July 2012.

This needed lots of decanting to open up.

Initial tight, closed nose opened up to an almost Northern Rhone Syrah-like complexity.

On the nose: Slightly volatile at first. Mellowed to an earthy complexity with a definite touch of barnyard. Maybe a bit "bretty". Complex and old-world.

Medium-full bodied with dense flavours of black cherries, herbs and some licorice. Smooth leathery tannins. Very much an old-school savoury wine.

I'd say drink it now before it dries out further.

After some decanting (about a half hour or so), this wine opens up with a nose of licorice, leather, and some plum notes. On the palate, this wine is earthy with silky tannins. Mid-weight with a long finish. Pair it with a hearty pasta and enjoy!

Tasted August 2012.