2009 D'Alessandro Syrah Cortona (Elsewhere $16)

SKU #1095436 90 points James Suckling

This is very good value in Syrah. Interesting aromas of raspberries, pepper and dried meats, follow through to a full body, and silky tannins with a fresh finish. Polished and pretty. Made from Syrah. Best after 2012. (9/ 2011)

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep ruby. Ripe red and dark berries on the nose, with hints of cherry syrup, licorice and black pepper adding complexity. Broad, fleshy and soft, with creamy dark plum, red cherry, tar and ink flavors. Finishes with a velvety texture and subtle notes of candied flowers and fruitcake. I like this rich wine's energy, and I think it will improve further with another year in the bottle. (9/ 2012)

K&L Notes

The climate and soils in Cortona are unlike better known parts of Tuscany, such as Chianti to the northwest and Montepulciano and Montalcino to the southwest. So when Massimo d'Alessandro decided he wanted to make serious wine from his family's land in the 1980s, he planted 12 acres of vineyards to different varietals. What seemed most suited to his vineyards wasn't Sangiovese but Syrah, which now makes up 90% of the plantings. This comes from the vineyard's younger vines and is prized for its freshness and immediate drinkability. And in the hands of winemaker Luca Currado (Vietti), you know it's going to be good.