2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Fermented in steel over 10–18 days at up to 32 °C. Aged two years in oak: one in barriques and the rest in various bigger vessels. 6–8 months in bottle before release. Mid ruby with a lightly bricky rim. Seductive, sweet, maturing cherry fruit, both sour and black cherry. Super-inviting aroma, really zesty at the riper end of the spectrum. There's a hint of menthol/herbs but it's very subtle and moving towards a more mature aroma of leaf mulch. A little hint of mocha. Sweet fruit and sweet spice. Delicious. On the palate, leather and dried red fruits as well as a slight heat on the finish but very good balancing acidity. Full on. Sandy tannins still have quite a chewy grip but are in tune with the depth of fruit. Chewy, savoury finish. You could drink this now with food but it should continue to age well. (JH)