Beyond the cedar, toast and sauna-like prologue, nuances of nutmeg-infused dark brambles lie in wait, while upfront grainy tannins are accentuated by a puckering raciness. Concentrated though not necessarily plush, the 2022 is still quite grapey in its embryonic state. Early picking to preserve acidity saw the Merlot harvest commence on 28 August in 2022, with the Sangiovese following two weeks later. The oak imprint is still very much at the fore of this recently bottled 30th anniversary edition. Needless to say, it needs time.
93 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Oct 2024)