This was a balanced and classic vintage. The 1995 Le Pergole Torte happily reflects this fact. This vintage is drinking beautifully right now, with buoyant and bright aromas of blue flowers, dried cherry, wet clay, porcini mushroom, laurel leaf, cured tobacco and fragrant breakfast tea. This is a finely balanced wine, with integrated acidity and a long, polished finish. There are no loose ends here, and the wine faithfully reflects the elegance of aged Sangiovese.

The picking date was crucial in 1995, when Tuscany experienced a cool, rainy summer followed by a dry and hot October. The producers who were able to wait obtained very classic wines, often superior to 1997. Le Pergole Torte was harvested very late, on 17 October, giving a jammy, cherry fruit profile to the wine with some rose and violet complexity. It's medium-bodied with chalky tannins, although it's drying on the finish.

Ruby-violet. High-toned cherry, herb and vanilla aromas. Medium-full body. Rather firm yet ripe and smoky, with hints of cassis and anise that are a bit unusual for pure sangiovese. Solidly ripe middle-palate fruit and good weight in the mouth. Tannins are youthfully stiff but not aggressive. Not as dense in extract as many wines from this vintage, but precise and reflective of its terroir. **+