1999 Nemo

Monsanto’s barrique-aged 1999 Nemo “Vigneto Il Mulino” (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is another terrific effort. It presents all of the classic Cabernet notes of herbs, bell pepper and cassis but with an unmistakably Tuscan warmth which gives the wine its rich, sumptuous texture and length. Although some early tertiary notes have begun to develop in the bottle, another year or two of cellaring will help the wine come together and absorb some of its oak, after which it should drink well to age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. This is a lovely set of releases from Castello di Monsanto, one of Chianti Classico’s most historically important estates. Proprietor Fabrizio Bianchi was at the forefront of many innovations that later became standard practice. In the early 1960s Monsanto pioneered the concept of the single-vineyard wines, and its Il Poggio is credited as being the first such Chianti Classico. In the years that followed Bianchi removed the traditional white varietals from the Chianti blend, years before other producers followed suit. Today Monsanto makes wines in a slightly more updated style that remains very much connected to the past, and most importantly, to its unique terroir. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2013. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200