A fantastic, complex wine with blackberries, loganberries, herbs and spices on the nose, the palate is even richer with fine tannins and a savoury note of black truffle.
Undoubtedly, overexcited wine commentators who have given the 2016 vintage of this wine a cricket score will mark this gentlemanly 2017 down because it is civilised, cultured, impeccably tailored and not as shouty, muscular preening as the preceding vintage. Of course, I, too, like the 2016, and it will blossom in 5-8 years, but I must impress on you that this 2017 is jaw-droppingly delicious right now, and I cannot think of another five-year-old wine from this region that has this degree of class, composure and deliciousness. It is a classic case of a starry year overshadowing a quieter, more sensual and more emotionally engaging vintage. Matthew Jukes, MoneyWeek and Wednesday Wines podcast, 13th April 2022
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Sesti - Castello di Argiano
Giugi (as Giuseppe is known), Elisa and Sarah Sesti make delicious Sangiovese, Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino at their idyllic Tuscan estate at the southern end of the Montalcino plateau.
The Castello di Argiano estate encompasses a castle tower, a chapel, a villa and outbuildings within a privately-owned hamlet surrounded by vines, all with sweeping views over the countryside to 5,700 foot Monte Amiata. Giugi Sesti is a world authority on ancient astronomy hence the celestial designs on all their labels, along with viticultural and winemaking techniques which follow the phases of the moon. Whilst not being officially certified organic or bio-dynamic, the natural, time-honoured practices with minimal use of chemicals are important at Castello di Argiano, as with many of our producers. Of 102 ha at Castello di Argiano, only eight are planted with vines, with the remaining hectares being olive tree groves and woodland. According to Giugi, the aim is to make, "Premium, full-bodied wines with great colour and nose which no less important - are kind in their effect when consumed in quantity!"
Across almost all of the country the 2020 vintage is looking very good indeed with ripe fruit and lovely aromatics. A classic if not straight forward vintage 2019 has delivered some excellent wines but in smaller quantity. Overall, the results are very good in 2018, though a warm wet early summer led to disease pressures in many parts of the country. The North East, home to Prosecco amongst others did particularly well; so too did Tuscany and Piedmont but yields are a little down in some estates. 2017 saw a small crop of excellent wines; spring frosts and a later heatwave nicknamed ‘Lucifer’ reduced yields, but you’ll find good results on the whole with excellent results in Piedmont. Yields were down in 2016 but quality is high, Piedmont and Tuscany at least as good as 2015. 2015 is generally an excellent vintage across Italy, perhaps reds having the edge over whites. A year that necessitated a lot of work in the vineyards due to the rains, 2014 has produced some surprisingly good results with elegant fresh wines across the country. The long, cool growing season of 2013 produced aromatic, well-balanced wines, whilst 2012 showed particularly well in Tuscany and in sheltered sites in Piedmont. A warm growing season in 2011 gave powerful wines with ripe tannins in contrast to the cooler season of 2010 which gave fresher wines for mid-term drinking. 2009 was another warm year with higher alcohol, ripe tannins and good aromatics.
Undoubtedly, overexcited wine commentators who have given the 2016 vintage of this wine a cricket score will mark this gentlemanly 2017 down because it is civilised, cultured, impeccably tailored and not as shouty, muscular preening as the preceding vintage. Of course, I, too, like the 2016, and it will blossom in 5-8 years, but I must impress on you that this 2017 is jaw-droppingly delicious right now, and I cannot think of another five-year-old wine from this region that has this degree of class, composure and deliciousness. It is a classic case of a starry year overshadowing a quieter, more sensual and more emotionally engaging vintage. Matthew Jukes, MoneyWeek and Wednesday Wines podcast, 13th April 2022
Usually delivered the next working day (on orders placed before 1pm on a working day).
Please note, whilst the majority of parcels sent on this service are received next day, this is not guaranteed.
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Delivery to other areas - additional charges
For deliveries to the Isle of Wight, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the main Scottish Islands deliveries are charged at a fixed price of £15 for the first case (up to 12 x 75cl) and £10 for each subsequent case. Rates are calculated automatically at the checkout.
You should allow up to an additional 5 working days over standard delivery for delivery to these areas.
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Returns
If you don't like any wine that you buy from us, for whatever reason, return it within a month of purchase and we shall refund your money without question or delay. Please telephone on 01743 234455 or contact us