Castellare di Castellina, Sodi San Niccolo, IGT 2015

The 2015 I Sodi di San Niccolò is just stratospheric. That's pretty much all there is to it. Plush, deep and explosive, the 2015 possesses magnificent depth. The 15% Malvasia Nera gives tannic backbone and energy to balance the wine's natural richness. Sweet red cherry, cedar, smoke, tobacco and licorice build in a racy, flamboyant Sodi that hits all the right notes. In a word: stunning!

Explosive fruit on the nose with dark cherries and plums, but there are also lots of fresh fragrances here, including spearmint, eucalyptus, forest floor and boysenberries. The palate is very pure and focused, the driven acidity providing a welcome counterpoint to the layers of rich, dark fruit. A blend of 85 per cent sangioveto and 15 per cent malvasia nera. Drink in 2022.

The 2015 I Sodi di S. Niccolò is another beautiful new release from Castellare di Castellina. This is a seamlessly executed expression of Sangioveto (an antique name for Sangiovese) with a smaller part Malvasia Nera from a sunny vintage that produced generous and exuberant fruit across the board. White pepper, spice, wild rose and toasted anise seed appear on the close. The finish is soft and yielding with sweet tannins. Present this gorgeous red alongside a roasted pheasant.