1997 Fattoria le Pupille Morello di Scansano Riserva

[RAD]

I've had this wine on my buying list lately for a few reasons: 1) love to experiment with Italian wines; 2) 1997 a great year; 3) WS gave it a 91; 4) I like sangiovese.

Well, I picked up a couple of bottles as part of a mixed case yesterday, and gave one a whirl. I was a bit disappointed.

My notes: Dark, deep purple/garnet color. Wonderful nose of toasted oak, blackberry, subtle tar--very cabernet-like. Smooth mouthfeel, more tar, and drying tannins turn bitter on the long finish. Guess it needs more time (WS says after 2000). After an hour and a half or so, wine opened up, becoming much more fruity, but remaining strongly bitter on the finish.

Has anyone else tried this wine? Interesed in your responses--

RAD

[RAD]

Round two with this wine:

This time I decanted it nearly two hours before drinking. What a difference.

Everything positive from the first go-round, minus the bitterness. Absolutely wonderful.

RAD