Luscious Le Lucere



~ The Entrance to Tenuta San Filippo ~

Situated to the Southeast of Montalcino, not far from the ancient Abbey of Sant'Antimo, lies the picturesque estate of San Filippo.  Foudned in 1972,  the estate is comprised of 22 hectares, of which just over 11 are under vine.   The estate was recently purchased by Roberto Gianelli who set about restoring the outbuildings, the gardens and updating the cellars.  This renewed dedication is paying dividends. 

 

San Filippo produces three Brunello; an estate blend from three of their vineyards,  a single vineyard Brunello from the "Le Lucere" vineyard and a Le Lucere Riserva.   Today's article focuses on the Le Lucere 2004. 

 

I last tasted this wine a year and a half ago and it has come a long way.   This bottle was opened with a variety of antipasto over a casual Sunday afternoon of friends and football.  It was not decanted and it did not seem to need it.  At 10 years of age, this wine is a symphony.  Aromas pour from the glass;  cedar mulch, crushed berry, wild strawberry, worn leather and espresso make their way.  On the palate, the wine is classy and elegant with lots of ripe dusty tannins seducing your palate and laying a caressing pathway for the succulent juicy red fruits that are joined with rosemary, warmed earth and menthol.  This is so aristocratic. I have a few bottles left but it will be hard to keep my hands off.  94 points, about $45 and a great value! 

 

Le Lucere is vinified in stainless steel and then transferred to large casks where it undergoes malolactic fermentation.  At that point, it's racked to a combination of large cask and new/used barrique.  It is then refined in bottle for 6 months prior to release. 

~ Le Lucere 2004:  Note the color of the wine, a deep ruby with that classic fade to iodine at the rim.  Along with cured meats, cheeses, olives and bread, this was a nice pace setter for a Sunday afternoon and also made a nice companion with the latest book I'm reading!  ~

Un abraccio a tutti!