The superb 1999 Sangiovese Riserva Cru Lepri was aged in barrique for 12-14 months. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of earthy black fruits intermixed with roasted meat notes. There is a kinky, savage quality to this wine that makes it nearly rustic. Nevertheless, there are loads of flavor, plenty of glycerin, and moderately high tannin. It is not a selection for those seeking restraint and politeness. It's hard to know how well it will age, but my instincts suggest drinking it for its exuberant, over-the-top character during the next 4-5 years.
Importer: Dominic Nocerino, Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907