2001 Guerrieri Gonzaga San Leonardo

Full bottle 1,351 g. The growing year went as expected, with the exception of a fairly rainy period during the first half of September, which did not, however, jeopardise the ripening of the fruit. The flowering period was excellent. The third ten days of May and the whole of June witnessed little rainfall (only 25 mm of rain in June) and an average June temperature of about 20 °C with 46 % humidity. The harvest began on 26 September and ended without any unforeseen difficulties on 15 October. Half bottles 2,330; bottles: 75,750; magnums: 2,986; double magnums: 200; imperials: 10; salmanazars: 10. Transparent garnet with a pale ruby rim. Fresh, light bodied and super-clean. Lovely mature bouquet and quite a bit of acidity on the palate. Delicate with the tannins almost disappeared into the distance. Bone dry. This will always be on the light side but beautifully balanced. (JR)

The 2001 San Leonardo is showing depths of ripe black cherry and plum with rich brown spice, offset by hints of sage, smoky minerals and dried florals. The silkiest of textures give way to a gorgeous set of polished red and black fruits, riding a core of balanced acids. Fine tannins slowly mount toward the long and structured close with a tart tug of sour berries and savory spice. The 2001 is a total classic, following a number of warm and dry years. Still showing quite youthful today, the 2001 reveals only early signs of maturity maintaining so much potential. I love it. I tasted this bottle over the course of two days and got better the longer it was open.

The growing year went as expected, with the exception of a fairly rainy period during the first half of September, which did not, however, jeopardise the ripening of the fruit. The flowering period was excellent. The third ten days of May and the whole of June witnessed little rainfall (only 25 mm of rain in June) and an average June temperature of about 20 °C with 46 % humidity. The harvest began on 26 September and ended without any unforeseen difficulties on 15 October. Half bottles 2,330; bottles: 75,750; magnums: 2,986; double magnums: 200; imperials: 10; salmanazars: 10. Deep ruby with a salty, stony nose. A wine that is clearly based on very ripe fruit that has not yet fully unfurled. Fine tannins are here in abundance in this youthful wine. Long and fresh with a salty finish. (JR)