2015-2018 Montevertine "Le Pergole Torte" Toscana Vertical

Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2015 Le Pergole Torte is a 100% expression of Sangiovese sourced from the estate's oldest vines (between 30 and 50 years old). Like the other wines from Montevertine, Le Pergole Torte sees both its alcoholic and malolactic fermentations in cement, and the wine later ages in new oak barrels for 12 to 18 months depending on the vintage. After that first phase in barrique, it goes into large botte to complete its integration. This gorgeous vintage opens to a deep, dark appearance with a velvety presentation of dark fruit and black cherry flavors. The wine's textural richness is ultimately what sets this fantastic vintage apart. (ML)

The 2015 Le Pergole Torte captures all the radiance and intensity of the vintage. Deep, powerful and resonant, the 2015 will be a racy wine once it emerges from its recent bottling. As always, the Pergole Torte is differentiated from the Montevertine by its greater textural richness and perfume. In 2015, Pergole Torte is exotically ripe and flamboyant, not to mention utterly captivating. Don't miss it. (AG)

The 2016 Le Pergole Torte is magnificent, just as it was last year. Rich, dense and explosive, with stunning depth and texture, the 2016 possesses off the charts intensity while remaining light on its feet for such rich a powerful, layered wine. There is almost no perception of tannin. Black cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, spice and new leather all meld together in a pliant, striking Pergole Torte endowed with tremendous pedigree and nuance. Put simply, the 2016 is off the charts great. The only reason the 2016 does not earn a perfect score is that cramped quarters in the cellar oblige Montevertine to bottle Pergole Torte in several lots. (AG)

I tried this at a preview tasting co-hosted by Monteraponi and Montevertine at Florence's Four Seasons hotel and haven't been able to get it off my mind since. Comparing 2016 to the warmer 2015 vintage, Martino Manetti describes the former as more balanced in ripeness and more representative of the region. It hints at mint, thyme blossom and violets but is still somewhat demure. Nevertheless, it impresses with its silky smooth tannins, mouth caressing texture and unwavering energy. Uncluttered by new oak nuances, the beautiful purity of fruit shines through as clear as a bell. A gorgeous wine with a promising future. (MM)

The 2017 Le Pergole Torte is a wine of pure and total sensuality. I imagine the 2017 is one of those wines that will always offer tremendous pleasure. Pliant and inviting, with soft, voluptuous curves, the 2017 is off the charts gorgeous. Layers of deep Sangiovese fruit gradually reveal themselves with air. The flavors are so intense but also so primary. I wouldn't touch a bottle before age 10. Readers lucky enough to find the 2017 should not hesitate, as it is magnificent. I can't imagine anyone who loves Le Pergole Torte not wanting a good supply of the 2017 in the cellar. The 2017 has come together beautifully over the last year. (AG)

The Montevertine 2017 Le Pergole Torte is a dark and sensuous expression with a well-matched "portrait of a lady" by artist Alberto Manfredi depicted on the iconic label of this vintage. Her full, ruby-colored lips speak of the generous and abundant fruit displayed here, and her slanted mascara-lined eyes underline the heat and power of the vintage. The Montevertine school matches the character of a wine to its bottle artwork with unparalleled success. This edition reflects the heat and the dry growing conditions of the vintage, however there is more sweetness and opulent fruit here compared to the Montevertine. It's not that this wine is riper per se, it just tastes more voluptuous and soft. It finishes with elegant tannins and a long, polished mouthfeel. (ML)

Owner Martino Manetti describes the 2018 vintage as a truly Radda style, which means fierce acidity and reluctance of the wine to open up, while 2017 or the incoming 2019 vintages are more approachable. Full of restrained, reserved character, the high-flying aroma climbs with liquorice stick, pot-pourri and incense, while on the palate a restrained, crispy red cherry character emerges. The attack is firm yet graceful, the wine solid on the palate with great noble tannins, refreshing acidity and full body composing the tight-knit structure. Classic vintage. (AF)

A pure expression of Sangiovese, the Montevertine 2018 Le Pergole Torte works hard in this vintage to preserve its most elegant and timeless style. There is a point of ripeness and a hint of extra cherry concentration that gives this wine beautiful intensity and verticality. The expressive bouquet incorporates mild touches of spice, earth, pressed rose and lavender bud. I'm putting a plus sign next to my score to underline the aging potential of this vintage. The tannins are shapely and fine, but they reveal tight youthfulness that will soften with more time in the bottle. Silky, supple tannins are a hallmark of Le Pergole Torte. This is a 29,000-bottle production. (ML) 96+