1997 Lungarotti Torgiano Rubesco Vigna Monticchio Riserva

‘Together with the 1990 harvest, this is among the best vintages of the decade; well-ripened  grapes which, however, maintained a good acidic base; regular maturation and perfectly healthy grapes with good concentration. The last vintage of Giorgo (died in 1999). In the last few years of his life he kept the wine in static decantation right after alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel for a year [natural clarification] then aged the wine in botte and barriques for a year followed by three years in bottle.’ 70% Sangiovese, 30% Canaiolo. Harvest: second half of September to the beginning of October. Vinification: fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature with 20 days of maceration on skins; pumping over about 10 times daily. Maturation: aged 50% in Slavonian oak casks and 50% in French oak barriques for about a year and a half, followed by 4 years of bottle ageing. Released 6 years after harvest (autumn 2003). Deep ruby with brickstone tinges. Deep and still a little brooding with hints of dark malt and a suggestion of mushroom. With aeration, chalky, stony nose. Still a little compact on the nose and takes its time to open up. On the palate, the acidity is a little racy, showing fragrant elegant fruit and layers and layers of superfine tannins like sand on the shore, adding tactile fireworks. (WS)