The sensational, opaque ruby/purple-colored 1999 Pecchia (100% Sangiovese) displays how unusually ripe and concentrated the 1999 vintage was in Tuscany. It boasts an opaque purple color as well as a glorious bouquet of black fruits, lead pencil, vanillin, smoke, and flowers. Dense and full-bodied, with abundant structure, outstanding purity, harmony, and overall depth, this is a powerful (14.5% alcohol) effort with extraordinary finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. Gagliole's consulting oenologist is the brilliant Luca d'Attoma, the man responsible for some of the most exciting wines emerging from Tuscany. Importer: Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484

Oaky and dense, with an oily nose that loses clarity with airing. This is one of those high-flying, pricey super Tuscans that has its virtues but doesn’t sing as a package. It just doesn’t have much charm. And at 14.5% alcohol it’s tough to swallow.——M.S.(11/15/2003)—— 85