Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2009 (750ML)

95 WA / 95 JS / 94+ VM / 93 WS / 93 DE / 18 JR

The 2009 Flaccianello della Pieve is now hitting that very specific point in a wine's evolution in which you still identity some of the fruit, but you also get a supporting chorus of evolved aromas that enhance the overall finesse and depth of the bouquet. This wine is coming along beautifully and seems right on point in terms of its forward moving aging trajectory. Dried blackberry, cherry confit and plum are rounded out by spice, toast and bitter chocolate. The bouquet fires out on multiple sides, thus increasing the perceived complexity on hand. This vintage is very open and frank, and this is another endearing quality to admire. Interestingly, this vintage saw naturally high yields. Giovanni Manetti tells me they had to work very carefully in terms of green harvest and fruit selection in order to achieve this impeccable level of balance.- Monica Larner, the Wine Advocate

A structured red with polished tannins and subtle vanilla, chocolate and currant character on the nose and palate. Full body, with integrated tannins and a compacted palate. Builds on the palate. Muscular and intense. Needs until 2015 to soften.-James Suckling

(100% sangiovese): Deep red-ruby. Enticing aromas of plum, cherry and graphite, with hints of tar and wild herbs. Then sweet but not overripe or heavy on the palate, offering bright flavors of plum and redcurrant. Plenty of soil character and fine-grained tannins on the the multilayered, nicely structured finish. This wine magically combines sweetness, flesh and refinement--no small feat--and is an amazingly pure example of sangiovese.-Ian D'Agata, Vinous Media

Elegant, this is also closed, showing some tannins at the moment, along with black cherry, black currant, and spice flavors. In an awkward phase right now, yet this feels like it will develop a little more quickly.—Non-blind Flaccianello vertical (July 2014). Best from 2016 through 2028.-Bruce Sanderson, The Wine Spectator

As 2009 was a relatively abundant year, Manetti had to do a fair amount of green harvesting to ensure concentration. The summer was hot and dry but the grapes retained acidity. This is showing some of its oak but is balanced by plenty of dark red cherry, violet and a touch of leather. It's absolutely approachable now and is better defined than in its youth. There is still an appealing plumpness of fruit, but Sangiovese's light-on-its-feet personality shines through. This wears the vintage confidently on its sleeve.-Michaela Morris, Decanter

There is real warmth on the finish. Forward, this is just right for now. (I was told by Giovanni Manetti that the 2010 needs five more years in bottle.) Rich, sweet, prunes and obviously the result of a warm vintage. Smooth, lively, spicy and long with fully resolved tannins. Admirable freshness despite all the ripeness.-Jancis Robinson