Sangiovese in Purezza- Pure Sangiovese
Sesta di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino 2018- $29.99
Back in 2000, I traveled to Spain with Jorge Ordonez, and tasted a wine, Muga’s Rioja Seleccion Especial 1994. The wine was due to arrive a few weeks later and the price was $24.99, I just knew it would be a hit. We sold 30 cases in just a month, our customers were thrilled with the wine. This wine strikes me as something very similar. You can buy this to save for a couple of years, or drink up, the choice is yours, however at this quality level you’ll be looking for reasons to open this gem. Trust me you’re going to want to buy a case.
Pure Sangiovese, that’s the theme of this Sesta di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino 2018. A wine built with the greatest intentions, affordable, somewhat ageworthy but additionally enjoyable now. I was thrilled to get this wine into the store, it was rated 93 points, the highest rating given to any 2018 Rosso di Montalcino in the April 2020 Tuscan reviews by Ian d’Agata on Vinous.com. I was intrigued because this is among the least expensive wines to get the highest score of 93, but also because of the final line in the review, “One of the three-four Rossos of the vintage and better than many Brunellos.” WOW! Maybe, “better than many wines twice the price,” should’ve been the theme!
Just the other day Eric Guido, who has taken over Tuscan reviews from d’Agata, released a batch of Rosso di Montalcino reviews, and again Sesta di Sopra received 93, and again that was the highest score given.
“Good full red color. Captivating aromas and flavors of ripe red cherry, savory herbs, and redcurrant jelly are laced with bright licorice and blood orange nuances. An exceptional Rosso, nicely combining richness with vivacity in a remarkably harmonious way. Closes creamy yet refined. One of the top three-four Rossos of the vintage and better than many Brunellos. 93 points.” Ian D’Agata, Vinous.com, April 2020
“The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino captivates with a beguiling display of mineral-tinged cherry, flowery undergrowth, leather strap and hints of animal musk. It casts silky textures across a medium-bodied frame with polished red/black fruits under an air of inner lavender and violet tones. Round tannins frame the expression nicely, as residual acids make the mouth water for more, tapering off to tart cranberry with a motivating flourish of spiced citrus. The balance here is on point, guaranteeing a number of years of positive evolution in the cellar. That said, the classically-styled 2018 is already so easy to like. 93 points.” Eric Guido, Vinous.com, January 2021
