2016 Paolo Bea "Pagliaro" Sagrantino di Montefalco

Giampiero Bea did a fantastic job in 2016, and the Montefalco Sagrantino Pagliaro is a perfect way to experience it. An intense mix of dusty dried cherries, blood orange, crushed roses and hints of plum sauce totally captivates as this opens in the glass. It’s deeply textural yet not weighty; instead, it impresses with a near-juicy personality and core of vivid blackberry offset by sour citrus and mounting mineral tones. This finishes structured and more savory than anticipated, as salted licorice mingles with grippy tannins and hints of balsam herbs. Deceptively approachable today, the 2016 is an undeniable classic that will pay dividends in the cellar. (EG) 96+