A firm and silky red with plum and dried cherry and some orange peel character. Full body and solid with a flavorful finish. A linear line of acidity and firm tannins make this one of the most structured wines from here in a while. Better in 2020.

Bright full ruby-red. Deep, pure aromas of red cherry, herbs, violet, tar and licorice. Thick and dense but tightly wound, showing a very fresh dark fruit character and a youthfully firm-edged tannic spine. Rich and dense, this calls for at least another three to five years of patience, and should last for another decade or two after that. Finishes long with tarry and savory notes, but it’s the floral lift on the back end that I like most. (ID)

Despite the overall cooler year, Castelgiocondo still demonstrates its sunlit territory. Tobacco and mint aromas mingle with cedar forest and earthy mushroom. On the palate there is a lusciousness to the plum and cherry backdrop, along with a salty tang. Chewy but not overly robust, tannins are ripe and mouth-coating. Persistent acidity cuts through the dense core. One of the plusher wines of the lineup, this is simply begging for a bowl of hearty pasta. (MM)