Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigneto St. Ercolano 2010

Oak, cassis, prune and forest-floor aromas follow through to the palate along with dried cherry, powdered sage and espresso. Tightly knit astringent tannins clench the finish. Give the tannins several years to unwind then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.

St. Ercolano is a single vineyard Vino Nobile produced in only the finest vintages from Carpineto’s Montepulciano Estate. Black currant aromas abound, backed by licorice and black pepper and nuances of vanilla. Full in body with exceptional black fruit flavors and spice. A big, structured wine due to extensive oak aging in new French and American barrels for 12 months followed by 4 years in bottle.  The supple tannins are well integrated through the lengthy finish.