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Well, well, well, what a Giro we've had so far and what a stage today! Perfect time for another sensational /WORLD TOUR WINE/ !!
Today's stage mirrors Strade Bianche, where I enjoyed a phenomenal Brunello di Montalcino from Castello Romitorio that still sits at the top of the /WTW/ rankings. Today, we are enjoying a wine from one of the other great appellations of Tuscany -- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The route today almost perfectly bisects the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano so it is a fun comparison between the two. I should note that this is NOT the same wine as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo which is an entirely different region and different grape. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is, predictably, Sangiovese, the great grape of Tuscany.
Avignonesi Grandi Annate Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2016 ($110)
This is a riserva (3 years minimum aging). Avignonesi only vinifies Grandi Annate in great vintages, so not available every year. Decanted for three hours.
Pours a deep ruby with white/garnet rim and red reflections. The nose is deep and rich -- the most intense Dr. Pepper you've ever smelled with cherry, plum, turbinado sugar, light vanilla, and cedarwood. Normally a Cola scent is off-putting to me (too many California pinot noirs that smell like Cherry Coke and taste like shit) but this is really nice, balanced, probably because of the power of the fruit.
The palate is powerful but balanced. There is plum and cherry enveloped in tannins, almost chewy, but with fresh acidity.
Extremely nice bottle, not reaching the complexity or quality of the Brunello di Montalcino earlier this year, but very nice nonetheless. Obviously built for age, this drinks well now but in another 10-15 years would be hitting its stride.