Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigneto St. Ercolano 2012

Aromas evoking weedy underbrush, leather and a whiff of eucalyptus form the subtle nose along with whiffs of French oak.

Made with 85% Sangiovese plus Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the austere, rather light-bodied palate shows dried cherry, cassis and green bell pepper alongside dusty tannins. It closes on a note of unroasted coffee bean. Drink sooner rather than later if you want to capture the remaining fruit sensations.