Paolo Bea 2018 Montefalco Rosso Riserva, Pipparello, DOC

The 2018 Montefalco Rosso Riserva Pipparello wows the senses with a burst of medicinal cherries, dusty sage and exotic spice. This is lifted and full of energy with a sweet and sour twang of citrus and sour cherries excited by zesty acidity. The 2018 tapers off with a gentle tug of fine-grained tannins and lingering concentration, leaving the palate clenched with youthful poise yet still aching for another sip. The 2018 may not be as long lived as bigger vintages, but its a total charmer. This went through 51 days of maceration without temperature control and was refined for 34 months in large barrels.