2001 Fontodi, Colli Toscana Centrale IGT, Flaccianello della Pieve (RT 97) Bought a case on release for the paltry sum of $75/btl. Unfortunately the price has risen considerably since this vintage, but this remains worth every penny. Followed over the course of three nights, the wine never wavered an iota and showed just as superbly on night three as it did on the first. This bottle shows a significant lightening in hue from previous bottles and is now a translucent ruby garnet hue. Despite the color integration, there is very little sediment, allowing me to pour directly from bottle. The bouquet is intoxicating, revealing perfectly ripe fruit built on dark black and red cherries, small Tuscan berries and floral notes pinned by a faint smokiness and a captivating herbal-ness. The palate is even more extraordinary, showing a notable weightlessness with perfectly ripe fruit balanced with silky tannin and artfully integrated acidity. Wow, an absolutely stellar showing, this is now in its drinking window and is a benchmark example of truly profound winemaking. Drink now – 2026+
