2009 Franci Franca Tassi Brunello di Montalcino

From a special selection of fruit from Castelnuovo dell’Abate, the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Franci feels riper, softer and more immediate that the estate’s base Brunello. The first wine is aged in tonneaux for 24 months and Franci instead is put aside in botte grande from Slovenian oak for 36 months. Despite this more “traditional” approach to oak, Franci seems the more “modern” wine, ironically, in the warm 2009 vintage. It opens to a dark ruby hue, good concentration and ripe fruit aromas of cherry and creme de cassis. The approachable and immediate finish is backed by sweet tannins. Drink: 2016-2020. The wines of Tassi represent the convergence of three factors. First, is the vast tasting experience of founder Fabio Tassi who runs the Enoteca la Fortezza inside Montalcino’s historic castle. Second, is the winemaking experience of consulting enologist Alberto Antonini. Lastly, are the well draining, loamy and clay soils of the Azienda Agricola Franci Franca vineyards located at 240 meters above sea level in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate area. Although only “Tassi” is written on the label, the true name of this estate is Tassi-Franci Franca. Importers: Rockwood & Perry Fine Wine and Spirits, www.rockwoodandperry.com; Wine Emporium, www.wineemporiumny.com; K&L Wine Merchants, www.klwines.com

Maturing mid ruby with orange rim. Herbal nose with notes of tobacco leaf. There is some depth but it is a little alcoholic too. Quite sweet fruit with just enough acidity on the finish. A little too innocent. Stalky tannins. (WS)