2007 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany, Italy 1.5L

"This is a fabulous effort from Fontodi. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. I tasted the 2007 Flaccianello a number of times from barrel and tank before it was bottled a few months ago. The 2007 is a bold, extroverted Flaccianello that sweeps across the palate with sensual layers of candied cherries, violets, spices and minerals. Dark, mentholated notes develop in the glass, adding further dimensions of inner sweetness, weight and complexity to this Tuscan thoroughbred. While so many 2007s are forward and open, Flaccianello remains muscular, taut and in need of significant cellaring. Still, the round, enveloping finish augurs extremely well for the future. Flaccianello is a selection of the estate¿s finest Sangiovese and is aged in French oak". Antonio Galloni

The area around Fontodi¿s property in Panzano is known as the Conca d¿Oro, or Golden Shell, for its heat-trapping amphitheater shape, excellent for ripening grapes. Flaccianello, 100 percent Sangiovese, is a selection of the estate¿s best grapes. The 2007 was fermented in stainless steel, transferred to oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aged in new French oak for 18 months. This is the third Top 10 appearance for Flaccianello and owner Giovanni Manetti this decade.