The estate’s 1999 Terricci is a brooding, masculine wine packed with earthiness, tobacco, herbs, leather and dark fruit. Early tertiary notes are evident, yet the wine’s structure and length suggest it has another eight to ten years of prime drinking ahead of it. This blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc saw 18 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. At press time the estate was in the process of changing importer.

Dark and fruity on the nose, with a touch of gritty leather. Brighter on the palate, where cherry and raspberry hold court and oak plays in the background. Juicy, fresh, immensely solid and just short of excellent. A very good Tuscan red with a little bit of everything. Drink now through 2008. ——M.S.(9/1/2006)—— 89