Paolo Bea Sagrantino Cerrete 2015

The 2015 Montefalco Sagrantino Cerrete wafts up with a smoky burst of camphor that blows off to reveal a pretty mix of wild strawberries, dried roses, cinnamon and peppery herbs. This is silky yet cool-toned in feel, with a pleasant twang of sour citrus up front that gives way to vivid tart cherries. It's potent and staining, but also full of energy, with vibrant acids and a mineral underpinning that both pepper yet also soothe the senses. The 2015 finishes incredibly long, with balsamic tones and exotic spices that seem to last for up to a minute. Silky tannins coat the palate at first then slowly melt away and create a sense of total inner harmony. With a few years of cellaring, I expect the 2015 Cerrete to be a total knockout.