93Points

“A dusting of cocoa and smoke blows off to reveal balsam herbs, crushed black cherries and dark exotic spices as the 2015 Montefalco Sagrantino smolders up from the glass. Its opulent textures are like weighted velvet, yet quickly contrasted by tart black fruits and nervous acidity, becoming more savory, almost salty, with each passing second. A fine coating of grippy tannins comes forward through the close, tugging at the palate with youthful poise, as herbal-tinged blackberries, licorice and hints of cedar taper off. The 2015 is a towering Montefalco Sagrantino that will require a number of years to come into focus, but will be worth waiting for.”