Avignonesi Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 2015

Since acquiring the property in 2009, Virginie Saverys has worked to convert all 162-plus hectares of vineyards to organic and biodynamic practices. In 2015 the Sangiovese was harvested relatively early, between 10-28 September. Hints of dried rose petals, violet, pepper and black tea add complexity to fragrant red cherry and strawberry. While light on its feet and immediately appealing, it has the substance and structure to hold for the next eight years. Rated 92 Points

Aromas of baking spice, mature plum and crushed aromatic herb lift out of the glass. Elegant and linear, the taut medium-bodied palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a hint of espresso alongside youthfully austere fine-grained tannins. Rated 91 Points

This has some pleasant, red-fruit aromas, but there’s a slightly unexpected undercurrent of dried tobacco, leather and cedar. The palate shows good form and polish, though, finishing round and juicy. Pure sangiovese. Rated 90 Points