The 2007 Flaccianello della Pieve captures the essence of this great Tuscan vintage. It is a decidedly sexy, opulent wine bursting at the seams with rich red berries, mint and spices. The tannins are present but virtually undetectable under layer after layer of fruit. There is out of question the 2007 is seamless, opulent and full-bodied. Readers who prefer more structured wines will gravitate to vintages such as 2001 and 2004. I find the 2007 utterly irresistible. It will also drink better earlier than some of the most classic vintages.
Lots of ripe fruit with a smoky, meaty, bacon, and cherry character – even dried mango and other fruits. Full and round tannins with bright acidity and an intense finish. Loads going on here. New wood is a little overpowering now but will come around wonderfully. Give it three to four years of bottle age still.
Fading to reddish brown at edge, this displays a bouquet of eucalyptus, medicinal herbs, licorice and leather. Rich, powerful, it's just coming out of it's shell, with muscular tannins on finish and a long aftertaste of leather, underbrush and mineral.—Non-blind Flaccianello vertical (July 2014). Best from 2016 through 2028. 5,000 cases made.
I tasted the 2007 Flaccianello a number of times from barrel and tank before it was bottled a few months ago. The 2007 is a bold, extroverted Flaccianello that sweeps across the palate with sensual layers of candied cherries, violets, spices and minerals. Dark, mentholated notes develop in the glass, adding further dimensions of inner sweetness, weight and complexity to this Tuscan thoroughbred. While so many 2007s are forward and open, Flaccianello remains muscular, taut and in need of significant cellaring. Still, the round, enveloping finish augurs extremely well for the future. Flaccianello is a selection of the estate's finest Sangiovese and is aged in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032.
