Sesti, Brunello Montalcino Riserva Phenomena other_regions

Sesti, Brunello Montalcino Riserva Phenomena other_regionsMedium red. Cherry, plum, mocha and tobacco on the nose, with hints of leather and earth. Surprising acidity gives shape to the smooth, slightly low toned flavors of cherry, plum, mocha and flowers. Comes across as a bit youthfully disjointed today, with a faint green edge to the acidity. Has the energy of the vintage but needs time to harmonize. Very long on the aftertaste. Stephen Tanzer

offering bitter cherry

though still quite subtle

Here too there is a hint of herbal tea character to the distinctly cool aromas of plum

spice and mint add character to a wine that speaks to finesse more than pure power

As is typically the case there is more volume and midpalate concentration to the focused medium-bodied flavors that are shaped by somewhat finer tannins on the lacy and impressively refined finale

This bottle of the 1996 is simply moving in its beauty

Maybe a bit too pungent on the nose

An admirable villages

The wine hits the palate with full-bodied richness

followed by four additional years post-disgorgement

consistently turning out an innovative Sauvignon Blanc (there's a skin-contact component for added texture)

with savory notes of gunflint