Poggio Nibbiale (Italy) Morellino di Scansano 2004
Morellino di Scansano is a Tuscan DOC that may not have enjoyed the fame of Chianti, but which is proving a very happy hunting ground for lovers of Sangiovese wines. Morellino is the local name for the Sangiovese grape, made here by Doctors Nikolaus and Elke Buchheim, who have replanted the vineyards since 1998 at higher density, whilst reducing yeilds and ageing the wines in French oak barriques. The result is a beautifully sensuous wine, where the plush, dark, luxurious cherry and plum scents of the nose entwine with a tobacco and sweet fudge character. On the palate this is fresh and vibrant, with an earthy texture and a solid background of roughening tannins supports plenty of glossy black cherry fruit. Long and savoury, this is very fine Tuscan red that will cellar, but is crying out for a steak or rump of lamb right now. 9.95, or 8.95 by the case, Berry Bros & Rudd
