- 2006 Podere il Casino Montecucco - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Montecucco (5/23/2008)
Organic; 14,5% abv; 70% Sangiovese, 30% of Cab S and Merlot; very low yields (20hl/ha). This smells of ripe strawberries and wet clay - a very attractive scent, but very sweet. Though apparently some of the oak is new (30% or so IIRC) it doesn't show. Though it is very ripe and sweet, the palate is light on its feet and is exceptionally lively and bright and has very natural tasting tannins and acidity. Though a Super Tuscan blend, it is stylistically a world apart from what I expected of such a blend. Very nice. - 2006 Podere il Casino Maremma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT (5/23/2008)
Very dark toned in fruit, concentrated and brooding but with very attractive cherry and sandalwood aromas, too. I get a slight hint of oak, but not to an extent that would make me worried. Full bodied, sweetly fruity, I like how honest the tannins are, yet despite there being lots of them, they are ripe and refreshing rather than overpowering. I don't get the oak notes on the palate that I did on the nose. It is very light on its feet despite the concentration and sweetness of fruit. I enjoyed it, but it is very primary.