Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2008, Igt Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot with maturation taking place in French Allier barriques, between 12-18 months, and alcohol coming in at 14%.

Intense ruby in color, this wine opened up with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, cassis, vanilla, gentle oak spices and earthy/minerally notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, bone dry, fresh acidity, dusty tannins with flavours of dark fruit and spices. Great length on the finish with intensely masculine and rich, concentrated flavours. A serious and very enjoyable wine that is just as good as their 2007 vintage, reviewed in March on this blog. Score 91 points.

Purchased December 10, 2011 LCBO New Release (727636) at $32.95

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2007, IGT Toscany, Italy

There is a more modern feel and texture to this Super Tuscan but still truly Italian. On the nose the Sangiovese is coming through with aromas of dried cherry, dark plum, blackberry, soft leather, spice box and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.5% , balanced acidity, dusty tannins with good balance between ripe fruit and oak derived characteristics. Clean finish with excellent depth of flavours and a mild tannin finish. This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 10% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with ageing of 14 months in French oak, 50% new oak and 50% in one year old barrels. A very good value red blend here, and strongly deserving of its number 30 on Wine Spectator top 100 of 2009. Score 91 points.

Purchased November 27, 2010 LCBO New Release ((727636) at $31.95