2018 - Sodi San Niccolo, Castellare di Castellina

The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!

Already released in March, and this tasting, six months later, confirms my high opinion of this lovely characterful wine. Clove and turmeric spice, freshly cut herbs, raspberry and red cherry fruits, great quality, with layers of campfire smoke. Full of Tuscan warmth. 12 months in bottle following the barrel ageing. One of the original wave Super Tuscans (and originally a partnership with DBR Lafite), with Alessandro Cellai as consultant. Note Sangiovete by the way, not Sangiovese

This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangioveto (also known as Sangiovese) with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build.

Fresh and transparent. A beautiful state of maturity now. Racy and lingering on the palate. (JR)