Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1997 Percarlo impresses for its pure seduction. It is also impossibly young. Dark red cherries, flowers and mint wrap around the palate in this sensual, inviting wine. In keeping with the qualities of the warm year, the 1997 emphasizes textural depth and richness rather then the more aromatic, firm style that defines cooler years such as 1996. The 1997 is drop dead gorgeous today. I imagine the 1997 will age faster than the 1996, but that shouldn’t be much of a problem given the wine’s exceptional balance. Layers of fruit built to the huge, textured finish. This is a decidedly flashy wine. I have always had a soft spot for the 1997. This bottle more than exceeded my expectations. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.