92
Our Score
(4/2020) This might just be the best vintage ever of the still underappreciated "Palistorti" from Tenuta di Valgiano. Biodynamically-farmed (certified) vines of predominantly Sangiovese with a bit of Syrah and Merlot, is really a vineyard/vine selection. The same blend of vines from the same estate, made in much the same way comprises Valgiano's flagship wine, but this wine comes in with about 1/3 the price tag. As the younger vines gain age, there is increasing density and length in this bottling, and for the first time it received the "Tre Bicchieri" top honor from the Gambero Rosso this year! Lucca has been a meeting ground for French vines and Tuscany's Sangiovese, there's nothing "modernist" in the approach. No abundance of new oak, no overripeness. The wine has radiant energy, a modest 13% alcohol, but great intensity. Expect notes of black cherry, red florals, brown spice, pepper, loam, fern. But expect the unexpected as this will drink easily for a decade from vintage.
