A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Tuscany, Italy
Rating: 93 Drink 2012 – 2018 Cost: $67
The 2008 Gagliole (Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon) is striking. Layers of dark plums and cherries are followed by tobacco, scorched earth, licorice and leather. The Gagliole presents terrific inner juiciness and fabulous length. The estate did not make its top Sangiovese, Pecchia, in 2008; all of the best fruit went into Gagliole. That appears to have been a very sound choice. I don-t expect the 2008 Gagliole to be terribly long-lived, but it is quite pretty right now. A final burst of fruit informs the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. These are two beautiful wines from proprietors Thomas and Monika Bar and consulting oenologist Stefano Chiocchioli. The Bars recently purchase six hectares of vineyards in the Conca d-Oro zone of Panzano, one of the very best microclimates in Tuscany, and a region that is quite different in character from Castellina, where Gagliole is located. It will be interesting to see what this dynamic estate comes up with next. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200