2009 Eneo

The 2009 Eneo is impressive for its sensual personality and overall finesse. Dark red cherries, flowers, licorice, tobacco and flowers all come together beautifully in the glass as this refined, elegant wine shows off its pedigree. Layers of flavor build to the textured, suave finish. This Sangiovese-based red has maintained considerable freshness and vibrancy. Sweet floral and spiced notes linger on the understated finish. The blend is 45% Sangiovese, 35% Montepulciano, 15% Marselan and 5% Alicante Bouschet. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Suvereto is one of the warmer microclimates in the Tuscan Maremma. Proprietor Fabio Chiarelotto succeeded in capturing the best elements of these sites while also shaping his wines with a level of finesse that is remarkable. The 2009s are fabulous, especially within the context of the year. Chiarelotto decided against bottling the Nardo, because many of the Sangiovese and Montepulciano vineyards struggled with the intense heat. The fruit he was able to salvage went into the Eneo, which helps explain why that wine is such a standout. The 2010s were stunning when I tasted them from barrel last summer. Readers can get an early peek at the vintage with the 2010 A Quo, a wine that delivers absurdly high quality for the money. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484