Vigneto St. Ercolano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
St. Ercolano is a single vineyard Vino Nobile produced in only the finest vintages from Carpineto’s Montepulciano Estate. Black currant aromas abound, backed by licorice and black pepper and nuances of vanilla. Full in body with exceptional black fruit flavors and spice. A big, structured wine due to extensive oak aging in new French and American barrels for 12 months followed by 4 years in bottle. The supple tannins are well integrated through the lengthy finish.
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2012
Wine Enthusiast - 89 pts
Aromas evoking weedy underbrush, leather and a whiff of eucalyptus form the subtle nose along with whiffs of French oak. Made with 85% Sangiovese plus Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the austere, rather light-bodied palate shows dried cherry, cassis and green bell pepper alongside dusty tannins. It closes on a note of unroasted coffee bean. Drink sooner rather than later if you want to capture the remaining fruit sensations.
Wine Spectator - 93 pts
A complex bouquet of leather, mint, licorice, plum and tar highlights this powerful red. Hints of black currant, iron and pencil shavings chime in as this winds down on the gripping finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
2010
Wine Enthusiast - 89 pts
Oak, casis, prune and forest-floor aromas follow through to the palate along with dried cherry, powdered sage and espresso. Tightly knit astringent tannins clench the finish. Give the tannins several years to unwind then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Wine Spectator - 94 pts
A beautiful expression of black cherry, blackberry, wild herbs, mineral and earth. Still fresh and focused, this is hitting its stride and should offer enjoyment for another decade. Drink now through 2030. 210 cases made. A beautiful expression of black cherry, blackberry, wild herbs, mineral and earth. Still fresh and focused, this is hitting its stride and should offer enjoyment for another decade.
2009
Wine Spectator - 91 pts
A broad, ripe style, bursting with plum, black cherry and blackberry flavors Accents of violet, graphite and spice add interest, while dusty tannins like the finish. Enjoyable now when paired with braised meats and stews. Drink now through 2020.
2007
Wine Spectator - 92 pts
Ripe…, with plum, black cherry, blackberry, mint and wild herb aromas allied to a chunky frame. Firm, chalky tannins carry this red to a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020..
2006
Wine Enthusiast - 90 pts
Black currant, bell pepper and leather aromas lead the way on this blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dense palate delivers ripe black cherry, grilled pepper, mocha and cracked black pepper alongside bracing tannins.
2004
Wine Enthusiast - 91 pts
The savory wine has earthy aromas of truffle, forest floor and woodland berries. The dense palate offers concentrated plum and raspberry flavors laced with accents of chocolate and pipe tobacco. This has a mature palate with tertiary sensations and depth. Drink now-2019.
2003
Wine Enthusiast - 90 pts
This dark and brawny wine opens with savory notes of black pepper and cured meat backed by prune and dried currants. The wine has aged well and shows bright acidity on the long finish.
2001
Wine Spectator - 94 pts
Ripe and plummy, displaying a velvety texture and sweet fruit, this is a superb example of a decade-old red. Licorice, leather and spice accents make this complex and though still vigorous, its tannins are folding into the fruit. Shows fine length and harmony. Drink now through 2020.