Great Deal Montevertine, Pergole Torte 50th Anniversary Great Gift Idea [LbvMHNYP]

The 2013 Le Pergole Torte 50 is one of the most memorable wines to emerge from Montevertine in many years. In 2013, proprietor Martino Manetti felt one vat was different from the others during fermentation, so he kept that vat separate and decided to age the wine two years in cask, as opposed to a year in barrique and year in cask he gives Pergole Torte. The resulting wine is powerful, dense and explosively structured. Time in the glass brings out lovely Sangiovese fruit, along with hints of mint, rose petal and lavender, but the 2013 remains austere, tannic and in need of further cellaring. Montevertine has only made a Pergole Torte Riserva once before, in 1990. Vinous readers likely know that wine is epic. The 2013 edition is not as sweet or opulent. Instead, it is likely to take years to be at its finest. It is, though, absolutely unforgettable. Sadly, there are just 2,200 bottles to go around. -- Antonio Galloni