Strange that nobody mentioned Percarlo. But I am generally sceptic these days if posts like this are helpful. They may create hypes which are a disadvantage for consumers.
I second Keith’s suggestion of Lisini. I had a bottle of the 2010 a few weeks ago that I bought on release. It was outstanding. You can get it now for about $80. Try it and if you like it, pick up some of the more recent good vintages for less.
I mentioned it in post #17. Not sure how soliciting independent opinions from knowledgeable enthusiasts can be a disadvantage. If someone is hyping a wine too much, others are free to disagree, and we know that there is no shortage of people here that will do just that…
To echo a few mentions: Selvapiana can be fantastic and a world class QPR. When Il Poggoine Brunello was $40, it got another vote from me as a great QPR.
the tasting I was at was a vertical of the last 3 vintages, plus the VDP wine to get the newer (typically BdM labelled) fruit out of the cellar. Honestly, the VDP stole the show due to QPR, but the 11 I really enjoyed (I’ve yet to meet an 11 BdM I don’t like at this stage though) and the 13 seemed like it had the stuffings of a great wine. admittedly, I agree with you that they were weightlessly elegant wines, but I don’t think hope is lost for them down the road either!
I should also admit that these were the first and only cerbaionas that I’ve had the opportunity to taste, unfortunately.
It’s a great wine from bottle too. But I personally consider Vigna del Sorbo to be a heavy hitter in the Tuscan world, the 1999 a particularly good vintage. Other than Soldera, I will take Vigna del Sorbo (and other great Chianti) over Brunello every time.
a 20+ year old Biondi Santi (if it’s younger drop it down below Soldera)
Soldera
Several jockeying for position here
Montevertine Pergole Torte
Montevertine Il Sodaccio (at a younger age than PT as it doesn’t have the long aging capability but was magical with a shorter time. Of course they don’t make it any more)
Flaccianello
Just a small, tiny, wee drop down in preference
Vigna del Sorbo
Ceperallo
Percarlo
Fontodi Vigna Del Sorbo
Castellare I Sodi
All the above are truly great sangiovese based wines for my palate. Lots of other very, very good wines that didn’t make the list as well of course.
I’m not a Lisini fan, the 2010 in particular was too lush for me. There are a bunch of names above that I’m not familiar with. If I was buying wine these days I’d try them all out.
2001 Valdicava Madonna was my first aha moment to the seductive powers of Sangiovese. The next awakening occurred during the release of the 2010 Brunello vintage, almost every one I tried was profound. Stand outs- Livio Sassetti Pertimali & Canalicchio di Sopra. Surprisingly, I was not moved by the 2010 Valdicava.
For a “very” modern take, Garguilo in Napa knocks it out of the park with their super Tuscan blend- Aprile (96% sangiovese 4% cab).
It´s actually funny that I post in THIS thread because I´m no way a lover of Italian wines, but I´ve had - and still have in our monthly wine tasting group - my fair share of Italians.
The best ever Italian was Sassicaia 1985 at age 25y, but that´s no Sangiovese.
2nd: Caparzo Brunello La Casa 1985 (a vintage I seem to like),
had it 3 times between 1990 and 2012, always simply delicious and almost Burgundian, not really typically Italian.