This is a landmark wine for Italy and for Castallare di Castellina. The 2011 I Sodi di S. Niccolò is made from mostly Sangioveto (Sangiovese) and a smaller part Malvasia Nera. Fruit is sourced from a historic vineyard that is characterized by a large presence of stones. This is a profound and elegant wine that is still very young in terms of its fruit profile and its tannins. It will require many more years to start its evolution. What it shows now is potential -- lots of potential. Dark fruit nuances are mixed with delicate accents of spice, balsam herb and cola. Give this wine a few more years before opening it.

Beautiful dark garnet. Endearing nose of stone fruits, mocha, fine spice and subtle exotic wood undertones. A concentrated, robust, profound wine on the palate framed by a beautiful structure that is still present. A stellar, ambitious wine needing more time.