1999 Le Pergole Torte

The 1999 Le Pergole Torte is powerful, structured and intense, with a big backbone of tannin and tremendous energy. This is one of the more delineated, sinewy vintages of Pergole Torte. In some ways, the 1999 reminds me of the 1988 because of its classicism, but it also has a sense of mid-palate sweetness that is evident. In a bit of an awkward stage, the 1999 is neither young nor old. Clearly, it is closer to the mature end of the spectrum, but I would hold off for a few years in the hope the tannins will soften a touch. Today, the 1999 is awkward, but the pedigree is evident. Cherry pit, smoke, tobacco and cedar resonate on the incisive finish. With time in the glass, the wine gets better and better.

The 1999 Le Pergole Torte is another striking wine. Today the 1999 is quite closed in on itself, but this looks to be another vibrant, classic Pergole Torte. The 1999 doesn't have the energy or vibrancy of the most long-lived vintages, but in exchange it will drink well relatively early, for Le Pergole Torte. This is a juicy, immediate style for Le Pergole Torte. It is one of the few vintages that is merely outstanding, but not immortal.

Our bottle of the 1999 Le Pergole Torte was slightly off, and I put a question mark next to my score to reflect that fact. The bouquet is less precise and less focused overall. This is a relatively full-bodied expression of Sangiovese with aromas of dried rose petal and dark fruit followed by underbrush and wild porcino mushroom. The wine offers a solid and firm tannic backbone. Mar 2018, www.robertparker.com