2001 "Ateo" 'Sant' Antimo Rosso, Ciacci Piccolomini D'Aragona

[wondersofwine]

di Guiseppe Bianchini, Montalcino.
(Posted also on another forum.)

14.5% alcohol by volume
Called the Atheist "Ateo" because it combined non-regional grapes--Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon--with Sangiovese.
"Sangiovese matures in large casks of Slavonian oak and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are stored in smaller casks of French oak for about 18 months."
Dark crimson-purple color. Heady fragrance of dark fruits. Black currants more prominent on the nose than the Sangiovese cherries. Some oak tannins noticeable.
Good now with beef or meatballs or a meaty lasagne but probably would be better in two or three years. I've enjoyed three different vintages of this wine but feel this was opened too early.
Hold on, it improved on the third and fourth day after opening (recorked and refrigerated and then allowed to warm up gradually before dinner). True, the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon disguise and alter the Sangiovese characteristics, but I find the blend lovely and worth the price of admission. Sells for $25 to $40. I think I paid about $30 but it is now on sell for $25 at Carolina Wine Company.