Bertinga Sassi Chiusi 2017

An estate blend from the Adine, Bertinga and Vertine vineyards, this is 85% Sangiovese (vinified and aged in concrete) and 15% Merlot (vinified in stainless steel then matured in used barriques for 12 months), which spends four years in bottle before release. In 2017 the vines suffered an incredibly hot summer, but some September rain helped to cool things down and allowed ripening to complete. Herbal and balsamic with black and red fruit aromas, this is rich and grippy, ripe yet fresh, with some elegant menthol, touches of spice, and sapidity on the mid-palate giving a sculpted feel. Light on its feet, this is a delightful wine with a gorgeous blueberry finish. Drinking window: 2023-2032. Score – 93. (James Button, decanter.com, March 6, 2023)