About
this Six
Bottle Sampler :
This consummate sampler captures the dynamic evolution
of the Super-Tuscan genre through its pioneers, its cult
wonders, and its models of consistency. While any celebrated
gathering of these luminaries is prized, we’re showcasing
them here in the context of the 2004 vintage—an exceptional
year that is noted for its finesse, elegance, and structure.
Mother Nature blessed this vintage with a long growing
season, affording the grapes the luxury of a delayed harvest
(15 to 20 days), which allowed them to achieve an ideal
state of ripeness coupled with a complementary structure. This
is a dramatic departure from both the 2002 and 2003 vintages,
and truly represents the vintage we have been waiting for….
We begin with the category pioneer and blue-chip staple—Sassicaia,
presented here with another leader in this high-profile
field, Ornellaia. Of special note is that Ornellaia, which
is available only in very limited quantities. But it is
Sassicaia that has captured our rapt attention, realizing
a form that renders it strikingly akin to its renowned
1988 expression. There are also the cult wonders—d’Alceo
and Percarlo—the limited supply of which inspires
an immediate sense of urgency. While d’Alceo’s
signature opulence has been refined in 2004, its concentration
remains unrivaled by that achieved by any other. The rich
expression of Sangiovese demonstrated by San Giusto a Rentennano’s
Percarlo endows it with similar allure.
The veterans, Sammarco and Flaccianello, continue to achieve
outstanding levels of consistency. Though d’Alceo
may be the wonder child of Castello dei Rampolla, Sammarco
was first born, and it remains a staple for steadfast and
serious collectors of Italian wine. Intriguingly, the ’04
Flaccianello exhibits a side of its personality we haven’t
seen before: This wine might just represent the wine
of longevity in this sampler.
The quality and reputation of the wines here is universally
recognized: A vintage such as Toscana ’04 deserves
to be celebrated via the established, the cult, and the
paradigms of consistency—the benchmarks of skill
and passion.
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