Darkly floral and earthy in character, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino Gauggiole opens with notes of crushed rocks, ground ginger, rosemary and sour cherry. This is round and wonderfully juicy in character. A tinge of minerality up front adds tension as ripe wild berry fruits cascade throughout. Long and perfumed, this finishes lightly structured and classically dry.

“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..”

“Powerful black cherry, red berry and earthy floral notes with a succulent underbelly of plum sauce and cola spice. Incredibly youthful and fervent with fine-grained tannins and a salty finish.”

“Berry aromas with fresh herbs, such as lemon grass and basil, from the mostly whole-berry fermentation. Lots of fresh flowers, too. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and very fine tannins that are polished and beautifully curated. Lovely presence and harmony. So drinkable now, but even better in 2027.”

“This is really fine on the palate with wonderfully integrated tannins that give tension and focus. It’s medium-bodied with lovely berry, cherry, cedar and spice. Peaches and flower stems, too. Creamy texture. Extremely long and vivid. Structured, but showing beautiful drinkability with wonderful balance and form. One to drink or hold.”