At 75% Sangioveto (a particular Sangiovese clone) and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, this beauty really pops both in the nose and in the mouth. It’s quite international in style, meaning the Cabernet softens the Sangiovese, yielding a sweet and ripe product that has both character and proper balance. Despite 18 months in oak, the ripe fruit of the ’99 vintage remains front and center. ——M.S.(8/1/2002)—— 91

This 75% Sangiovese-25% Cabernet Sauvignon wine’s tangy dried cherry fruit shows herb, tobacco and leather accents. The use of wood is quite apparent here—and the wine reads tart and somewhat cedary on the palate. Finishes with sour cherry and plum notes, showing good grip and brisk tannins.——W.E.(9/1/2001)—— 87