96-Pt Brunello for UNDER $35—From Italy's Best Emerging Winery!

96+ Points from Luca Giardini saying:
"A fixed point of Montalcino, a label that manages to keep freshness and balance, as well as quality consistency over time. Red mulberry to the nose, touches of laurel and flowers, such as gardenia, and balsamic sensations of eucalyptus on the closure."

94 Points from Wine Enthusiast saying:
"The intensely herbal nose starts with a powerful flash of anise, then softens with notes of fennel, sage, soil and cherries. On the palate, the herbs and cherries create a round, slick texture, but a dusting of bitter cocoa, along with framing tannins and self-assured acid, provide balance."

94 Points from Decanter saying:
"Attractive floral notes with red cherry and spice. Moderate concentration with an elegant touch of roasted coffee. Moderate length."

Background:
Named "Best Emerging Italian Winery" by Gambero Rosso, Ridolfi is a family owned estate with 60 acres of vineyards on the north-eastern slope of the Montalcino hill. The vines are planted in volcanic soils, have prime exposure and high altitudes up 1000 feet above sea level. The work in the vineyard is all by hand and the farming is all organic. There is a young and talented team with a clear vision of what they want to achieve turning out wines that receive high praise and huge scores.

Hand-harvested in early October, the fruit is pressed then fermented in stainless steel tanks for 35- 40 days during which time full malolactic fermentation occurs. Aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels or botte, then bottle aged an additional 12 months in bottle.

Leafy underbrush, new leather, dark berry and chopped herb aromas waft out of the glass. The fresh palate doles out succulent wild cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon notes, blanketed in smooth, round tannins. A licorice note caps off the finish.