The 2019 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota is intense, trading grace for power in this vintage, with a burst of dried black cherries, dusty sage, roses and Indian spice forming its bouquet. This splashes across the palate, spicy with ultra-ripe wild berry fruits that saturate, expertly balanced by a core of zesty acidity. The 2019 leaves a staining of primary concentration and grippy tannins, puckering the cheeks with youthful tension as salted licorice and balsamic spice notes fade. The 2019 Colle Vota will require time to fully blossom as it is primary and palate-staining today. Of note, production was down by a whopping 45% due to issues during budding.
94+ points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Aug 2023)