Unusual to find the famous Italian variety of Sangiovese in a Hawke’s Bay wine – it’s pinnacle being Brunello di Montalcino or in a Chianti (IMHO).
Inkily ruby with deep colour in the glass, and a brooding nose of sour cherry, blueberry, peppered with spice – classic varietal. Dry, with a vibrant, refreshing acidity that bowls along headlong into the intense mid-palate of plum, redcurrant, cassis and blood orange flavours. Underlined with a distinctive earthiness with a balsamic, crushed green herbal edge. Tannins are supple – like the oak notes, it is supporting rather than dominant, allowing the plush fruits to soak through. Towards the finish, there’s some secondary notes of chocolate, liquorice, leather developing, but I’d give this a few years yet to fully bloom. Beautiful with a big steak last night. 93pts.
