2019 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Marina Cvetic
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Tasting notes
Mentholated herbs lift depths of medicinal black cherry and clove as the 2019 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva San Martino Rosso makes itself known. This is a deep and powerful effort with masses of dark red fruits and exotic spices underscored by saline minerals as fine tannins mount toward the close. It finishes with tremendous length and structure, as a mix of clove, pine shavings and mint resonate. This powerful rendition of the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Riserva from Marina Cvetic will require patience.
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Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Eric Guido, Vinous
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Full bottle 1,403 g. 100% Montepulciano from San Martino and San Marrucina at 400 m asl – the crus of Colle di Paolo, Fonte Filippo, Schiavone, Colle Rosina. The different crus are vinified separately with dedicated fermentations and macerations, then aged in barriques for 12–18 months. They are then blended, bottled and aged in bottle for at least six months. Malty black plums, coffee and muscavado sugar. Masses of black pepper at the heart of the wine, creating the paradoxical effect of making it taste darker, yet fresher; giving it both grit and grace. Tucked into tiny folds and corners of this dark and brooding wine are shining fireflies of ruby light; scintillas of spice and energy. Dense tannins that feel as if they've been tailored from velvet and ink dust. Long and insistent. Very beautiful. (TC)
Exotic spice and medicinal cherries gain lift through a refreshing wave of mint as the 2019 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva opens in the glass. This is still quite primary with an inky concentration of dark red fruits that saturate, leaving a mineral staining but also a twang of sour citrus to balance. While structured and potent, the 2019 is full of lively energy. This early preview of the recently-bottled 2019 shows tremendous potential.