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| ~ Panoramic View of the Piaggia Estate ~ |
On these very pages over the last few years I have extolled the virtues of the little known DOCG appellation called Carmignano. Equally, I have reviewed past vintages of today's wine, to high praise and been fortunate enough to interview family proprietor Silvia Vannucci and winemaker Emiliano Falsini. They are good people and they are rock solid in their determination to craft what is easily the best Carmignano from the zone, "Il Sasso".
In the instant case, they have raised the bar further. From the wonderful 2010 vintage comes the freshly released Carmignano, Il Sasso. Like the previous vintages before it, the color is a vivid violet with pretty reflections. The aroma of the wine is impressive - with deep floral overtones, freshly crushed red fruits, fresh pipe tobacco and a note of cedar. On the palate the finesse carries through. There's a huge, elegant core of ripe berry fruit that is laced with sweet tobacco, freshly cut flowers, anise, and a dusty powdery essence of cinnamon on the long finish. This is so fresh and vibrant and just may end up being the best of the 2008-2010 trio reviewed here. This estate is on a roll right now and clearly one to watch for. 94 points, about $22.
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| ~ The newly released Carmignano from Piaggia ~ |
Il Sasso is a blend of 70-80% Sangiovese with the balance to Cabernet and Merlot - indeed, the original codified Super Tuscan. It is a single vineyard wine and I can't help mentioning the improved classy new bottle that sports a sort of "embossed" family crest in the bottle. Nice package inside and out!
Sounds beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJohn, are you able to put out a vintage chart?
Is there any subjectivity to the process?
Dennis, a vintage chart of Tuscan vintages on a year by year basis? Or multiple vintages of the same wine? I tend to shy away from vintage charts because they are always broad generalizations at some point. I think if I did one it would be very narrowly defined. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteJohn, I hear what you are saying, "broad" is the word. A narrow vintage chart would be an interesting challenge for you, and since you have such a deep history in tasting especially Tuscan wines, just maybe a Brunello chart would be right up your alley! Just a thought; I'm bias toward Brunello.
ReplyDeleteI feel a bias too :)
ReplyDelete