Jay Kline
This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song. From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years.
This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song. From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years.
9.2Chris MacLean
A really beautiful wine in a great place. Probably starting its decline, slightly hinting at decreased vigor. Very floral, balanced and fruity. It avoids the mushroom notes that seem to dominate too many aged Sangioveses.
A really beautiful wine in a great place. Probably starting its decline, slightly hinting at decreased vigor. Very floral, balanced and fruity. It avoids the mushroom notes that seem to dominate too many aged Sangioveses.
9.4Max Kogod
Owner Kogod Wine Merchant
Peaking. Good energy for '97. Gained sweetness with air. After an hour open the warmth of the vintage really starts to show.
Peaking. Good energy for '97. Gained sweetness with air. After an hour open the warmth of the vintage really starts to show.
9.2Eric Egan
Like a beautiful barnyard floor: water - Manchester - stylish opaque mud. A great long punch of filth and class; brambles, dirt, and a kick of vanilla; like a touch of angelic sympathy on a day of solace. Coravined at Territoriet, Oslo.
Like a beautiful barnyard floor: water - Manchester - stylish opaque mud. A great long punch of filth and class; brambles, dirt, and a kick of vanilla; like a touch of angelic sympathy on a day of solace. Coravined at Territoriet, Oslo.
9.2Davis Smith
Sommelier Acquerello
Lunch wine. Bloody brilliant.
Lunch wine. Bloody brilliant.
9.3Scott Barber
Wine Educator Meadowood Napa Valley
A taste treat from one of my favorite wineries in the world!
A taste treat from one of my favorite wineries in the world!
9.3Max Kogod
Owner Kogod Wine Merchant
Beats the heat. So fresh and crystalline.
Beats the heat. So fresh and crystalline.
10Daniil Karp
Amazing nose cigar box and forest floor. resolved tannins and strong tertiary flavors of dried red fruit and tobacco. Maybe a year or two over the peak. Good wine with great friends.
Amazing nose cigar box and forest floor. resolved tannins and strong tertiary flavors of dried red fruit and tobacco. Maybe a year or two over the peak. Good wine with great friends.
8.9Thomas Jordan
I had no idea Chianti could be this good.
I had no idea Chianti could be this good.
9.5Location
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