2007 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Ateo

A producer of consistently high quality, Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is always on my radar. Thankfully, their wines have been more regularly available in our market over the past year or so. In a slight change of direction starting with the 2007 vintage, Ateo now only consists of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; the Sangiovese redirected to Ciacci’s other wines. Thankfully the wine still has a clear Tuscan feel to it, even though the renowned indigenous variety has been removed from the blend.

2007 Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Sant’ Antimo Ateo – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Sant’ Antimo (2/5/2011)Opaque ruby/black colour. Aromas of crushed blackberries, herbs, mint, sliced black plums, alcohol. Full-bodied and juicy, with blackberry, plum, and herb replays from the nose. Good minerality and acidity, but the alcohol is a touch prevalent right now. Moderate-length finish, ~35s, with more blackberries and herbs. The tannins cause the finish to turn a little chalky, but a couple years in the cellar should smooth that out if desired. Quite tasty. Something to drink over the next five years or so. (91 points)

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