Almost irresistible for its lavish spices and rich fruits, this deep and expansive wine is memorably flavorful and complex. Cinnamon, cedar, cloves and balsam complement vibrant red cherries, rich black cherries and mulled plums as a full body and moderate tannins give it significant heft in the texture

“Winemaker Cecilia Leoneschi observed the unhurried growing season of 2019 echoed in slow and gradual fermentations. For the estate’s 1.5 hectare cru Brunello she increased the percentage of whole cluster from 30 to 60% keeping the maceration time to 18 days to avoid excessive tannin extraction. In the glass, the wine evokes the forest after a drenching when the sun starts to dry out the vegetation. Warm cedar, porcini and licorice root aromas are heady. Dense and concentrated, the palate is weighty in red summer berries, yet the structure is tight. Chewy tannins provide an essential girdle. Oak-derived vanilla notes pervade, though hints of leather and gamey meat portent what is to come as this evolves..”

“The 2016 Brut Blanc de Blancs Vintage is laced with hints of tropical fruit, lime, mint, passionfruit and crushed rocks. Intensely aromatic and light on its feet, the 2016 impresses with its gracious, understated personality. Sourced from plots in the mid-slope Grand Cru vineyard of La Côte in Avize, readers will find a Blanc de Blancs endowed with tons of energy and nuance. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.”

“A delightfully tart nose is full of Rainier cherries and dried cranberries, with undertones of minerality and herbaceousness. The palate runs with the cherries and adds oranges to the mix, with a latent heat and a thrilling amount of acidity elevating a minty freshness through the finish.”

“A solid core of fruit with apple, strawberry and hints of iron and salt on both the nose and palate. Full yet not too much with a lively mouthfeel and fine tannins. Tensioned and plenty of flavor.”