Flaccianello della Pieve 2000

A hot and rather dry vintage, in which picking took place fairly early and the grapes tended to be somewhat overripe. This is a surprising Flaccianello, which was just about ready to drink when it was released but continues to age very gracefully. Its garnet colour is intense and concentrated. The bouquet is rich and even broad, with notes of ripe fruit and of flowers: there are hints of violets, raspberries, sour cherries and tamarind, and then of tobacco and leather. Its flavour is particularly smooth, rounded and warming, and the finish is long and alcoholic.