2019 Azienda Agricola Montevertine Toscana

This wine beautifully captures the intensity and elegance of this classic vintage. The 2019 Montevertine is made with a careful selection of fruit (with 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino) from across various parcels located at a cool 400 to 550 meters in elevation. Compared to the Le Pergole Torte, which remains more closed and initially shy, the Montevertine currently soars over the senses with delicate berry and wild fruit aromas with mineral, blue flower and candied orange peel. The mouthfeel is extremely fine, but that smoothness leaves a lasting impression. Happily, there are 34,000 bottles on the market.

The 2019 Montevertine is absolutely gorgeous. Plush and silky, with terrific depth, the 2019 impresses with its exceptional balance. In most years, the tannins can be a bit fierce, but in 2019 they are surprisingly soft and caressing in relative terms. Once again, I am quite struck by the sheer richness in the 2019. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, tobacco and incense build in this decidedly potent Montevertine. This is an especially fine edition and a very serious wine. Impressive. In 2019, Montevertine will give Pergole Torte a run for its money.

Tasted from cask, the 2019 Montevertine is creamy, rich and beautifully layered. Today, it is decidedly on the more opulent side of things. I can't wait to see how it develops over the next year, and then beyond.