2004 I Balzini Black Label

This is a monumental and much-admired Tuscan red of immense power and density on the palate.

The husband and wife team who run this estate, on the border of the Florence and Siena councils, constantly strive to produce wines of the highest quality. They never disappoint.

Balzini refers to the sloping ground on which the vineyards are situated.

Tasting Notes
An exuberant ruby red, rich and deep wine. Its scent is distinctive, clear-edged and important. Sangiovese’s nuances of violet and iris, integrate well with the softness of the Merlot and the power of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a symphony of fragrances ranging from vanilla to coffee, from dark chocolate to wild berries and leather. This is a wine of immense power and density on the palate, lean and warmly alcoholic, with well-sustained, finely woven tannins. It has an aromatic persistence.

Matching
It matches haute cuisine meat dishes, baked leg of lamb, grilled goat, game, grilled T-bone steaks and very important cheeses.

Winemaking Notes
Grapes: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot.
Rigorous pruning in the vineyard followed by strict selection during harvest. Manual harvest into small boxes to avoid damage during transport from vineyard to cellar. Additional grape selection in the cellar.
Maceration at 28-30C for about 20 days; complete malolactic fermentation. Maturation in French oak barriques for 12-16 months and final ageing in bottle for at least 12 months before release.
This wine will age well over 10 years and last much longer.