Here comes an intense and fruit-expressive Rosso di Montalcino that delivers excellent richness and freshness on the nose. Mineral, ripe strawberries, red plums and walnuts to the nose follow through to a tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Quite vertical and structured with lots of tannins that give a comfortably grippy closure to the long, tight finish. A serious, outstanding Rosso di Montalcino. Drink from 2024.

Showing signs of a warm vintage with a slightly more saturated color and sweet cherry aromas, the Sesta di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino delivers medium fruit weight with dark cherry, plum and crushed rose. This wine is defined by its texture, which feels soft and velvety on the palate. This is a tiny production of just 570 bottles. Yields were very low in this vintage, but the estate was determined to make a Rosso nonetheless.

The Sesta di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino offers a clean and fresh succession of wild berry, cassis and sour cherry aromas. This 7,000-bottle release is streamlined and somewhat subdued; however, it does have the fiber and the acidity to pair with a classic pasta al pomodoro.

The Sesta di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino (with just 3,900 bottles made) does a great job of presenting Sangiovese purity and freshness without any extra trappings or distractions. The wine opens to dried cherry, plum and blackberry with light touches of spice and toasted sweet almond. You also get hints of aniseed and medicinal herb that are faithfully characteristic of the grape grown in Montalcino. It's a nice match for a classic pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale.

The folks at Sesta di Sopra are releasing this wine later than usual. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino (with 8,400 bottles made) is a terrific expression that acts and tastes like a full-fledged Brunello. The wine opens slowly in the glass, revealing budding complexity as it does. It shows bright berry intensity with grilled herb, pressed violet and potting soil. The mid-weight finish is elegant and tight.