Antico Podere Gagliole Gagliole Colli della Toscana Centrale 2018 750ml

This is extremely perfumed with black cherries, purple fruit and cedar. Some lavender, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a beautiful finish. Needs time to soften, but already very beautiful. Drink after 2023.

Here's an under-the-radar classic from Tuscany that has been in production since 1993. The wine has evolved over the years, and a small part of Cabernet Sauvignon once used in the blend has been removed to favor 100% Sangiovese, starting with this vintage. The 2018 Gagliole sees all its fruit coming from Panzano from a high-density site with schistous galestro soils 450 to 500 meters in elevation. You will recognize pretty mineral notes with crushed stone, dark fruit, spice and grilled herb. The mineral note is terrific, and the wine has a vertical feel, with elegant uplift from the smooth tannins.