Lungarotti Torgiano Rubesco Vigna Monticchio

Very pleasant sangiovese from Umbria here, with lots of nutty cherry and berry character. Full and lightly firm with a relaxed core of fruit, lightly firm tannins and enough acidity to keep it going. The nutty character prevails on the long finish. Interesting. Enjoy now or hold.

Earthy and savory, with scorched soil on top of dark cherry and dried blackberry, the 2016 Torgiano Rosso Riserva Rubesco Vigna Monticchio is streamlined, focused and tight compared to the open-knit 2015 vintage that I tasted at the same time. Showing faint mineral tones, these vines planted among tobacco fields (for making Toscano cigars) have a distinctive smoky or savory quality. This is an Umbrian classic of some 35,000 bottles produced annually.

Lustrous mid ruby. Elegant, fine and concentrated nose with minerally, chalky notes and leafy cherry. Succulent red-fruit palate but still very embryonic and with intense long powdery tannins. Elegant palate weight defying the 14.5% alcohol. Not ready yet.