The 2006 Stagi (Colorino) is a new wine made from a vineyard planted in 2001. Deep and dense in hue, the Stagi blossoms on the palate with generous dark fruit, wild herbs, sage, rosemary and licorice. This shows lovely mid-palate juiciness and length. Today the fruit is still quite primary, but another few years should allow for the aromatics to emerge and the tannins to soften. A slightly rustic finish is the only thing that holds the wine back a touch. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.
This is an uncharacteristically mixed set of wines from Il Palazzino. The 2007 La Casina Girasole and 2007 Chianti Classico Argenina both revealed technical imperfections that precluded their being included in this report. The estate's higher-end wines fared better.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119