The 2005 Pegasos is not a new wine, per se, but rather a barrel of 2005 Brunello-designated juice that Soldera thought was ready to bottle and drink sooner rather than later, but not up to the qualitative standards of his top Brunello labels. It is a beautiful, silky wine graced with perfumed dried cherries, flowers and minerals, all of which come together in a delicate, feminine expression of Sangiovese. Ideally the wine is best opened an hour or so in advance to allow for some of the small imperfections in the bouquet to blow off. The 2005 Pegasos has come together quite nicely over the last few months and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. After several hours, the delicate, spiced bouquet and ethereal fruit is at times reminiscent of Pinot Noir. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
Gianfranco Soldera continue to make some of the most compelling wines in Montalcino. A visit to this estate is an absolute must for anyone who seeks to understand the essence of one of the world's greatest wines. I don't say that lightly. A recent bottle of Soldera's 1998 Riserva more than held it own when tasted alongside some of the greatest wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, in fact it showed far more complexity and sheer character than many of those far more celebrated bottles.
Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799