2001 Mauro Vannucci Il Sasso Toscana

[newsguy]

(13.0%; $21.50) this super tuscan is 70% sangiovese, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. dark, blood red in color. the sangiovese rules in the nose -- at first -- with big aromas of cherry, leather and dark fruits (including plum and blackberry). big flavors of cherry and leather. very good entry, big midpalate and finish. thick, juicy mouthfeel and just a bit of superfine (albeit persistent) tannins. this wine evolves interestingly with time in the decanter, as the cab and merlot in the blend take over. the cherry disappears and the nose and flavors turn to dark fruits and a touch of brown sugar. given more time, plum and chocolate come to the forefront. this is very nice juice that could use 2 or 3 years to start losing those tannins. 90+ points. (note that i am a little skeptical of RP's drinking window going out to 2016 on this, though.)

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 12-09-2004).]