($37, Maisons Marques & Domaines):  Castiglion del Bosco, a top producer in Montalcino, consistently produces excellent Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino.  They have recently added this specially selected Rosso, labeled Gauggiole after the area in which the vineyards are planted.  They select what they consider the best grapes from various parcels in this area, and, in distinction to their Brunello, use no wood barrels for fermentation and aging.  The result is spectacular.  The savory mineral-y notes balance the dark cherry-like fruit ones.  It’s bright and fresh with attractive subtle bitter nuances in the finish.  Tannins are refined, which means you can enjoy it now, though its balance suggests it will develop more complexity with time, so there’s no rush.
95 Michael Apstein Feb 25, 2020