Còlpetrone Sagrantino Sagrantino di Montefalco 2001

Lots of blackberry, wet earth and some green pepper character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a chewy finish. Lots going on here. Best ever from here. Best after 2006.

This estate, sparked by the inspired winemaking of Lorenzo Landi, is the most serious competitor to Arnaldo Caprai in the Montefalco Sagrantino appellation and, unlike Caprai, the 2001 Montefalco Sagrantino is notably better than the 2000. Rich and brilliant ruby in color, the wine boasts the classically powerful nose of raspberries, red currants, and plums, enriched by sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, and incense. The dense, muscular, and concentrated palate is the trademark of this wine, warm, broad, and mouth-filling from the attack to the finish. there's only a short track record here, but I would be very surprised if the wine did not last 20 years.

The 2005 Sagrantino di Montefalco is representative of this quirky Umbrian variety. The wine offers up generous dark fruit, herbs and leather buttressed by the firm tannins that are the hallmark of Sagrantino in a bold, exuberant style that shows notable character. This full-bodied red is best enjoyed with hearty fare. The Sagrantino spent 18 months in 5 hectoliter French oak barrels followed by 12 months in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015.

Full ruby. Expressive aromas of red cherry, milk chocolate, cedar and nuts. Suave, pliant and sweet, with slightly high-toned red berry, smoky plum and oak flavors leading to a ripe but firm finish. An easy-to-drink and very enjoyable style of sagrantino.