96 Points Decanter:
San Francesco is a single west-facing vineyard (compared to the mostly southwest plots used for the standard Riserva) which ages partially in tonneaux instead of just botti grandi. Ruby in the glass, it smells of graphite, Parma violet, wild strawberry and peach skin, with a balsamic whiff. Velvety on the palate with tar and strawberry fruit of a stunning intensity, joined by a touch of black pepper. Broad, dusty tannins of rare power and concentration are accompanied by lifted acidity and good length. This is not a wine that's really ready to drink now; give it more time for better integration of the oak. Great stuff.
