2003 Scacciadiavoli, Sagrantino de Montefalco (RT90) Given a short amount of Slow O, this showed an initial flash of charred oak, which vanished in a short time in the glass. Typifying Sagrantino, its dark ruby, opaque hue, leads way to an elixir of mentholated, deep red raspberry liqueur, Tuscan scruff and hints of cedar and dried violets. With time, open notes of late harvest fruit show up, but the heat of the vintage dominates the fruit. Good overall balance, the acidity holds it together, with soft, dry tannins, another sign of the vintage. Surprisingly it has absorbed all of the high toast oak it showed in its youth, I’m impressed! A surprisingly enjoyable Sagrantino from a challenging vintage for this bottling. Drink now-2028+
