A while back I posted a picture of a little half bottle of 2006 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana wine.  I just thought that a bottle of wine smaller than a wine glass was way fun.  I have sad news for all of you, I have prematurely taken the life of that wine. 

The seemingly endless car trip home from Arizona left me feeling determined to imbibe some vino, so I scanned the bottles available to me and decided that I would open my diminutive Toscana.  This wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, and has about 13% alcohol.  I paid about $14 for the 375 ML bottle.

The first thing I notice when I dip my nose into the glass, is floral scents leaping out at me.  I also get some herbal and slightly mineral qualities, a little bit of wet rock action, and a little leather.  The palate on this wine is extremely tight, especially without any decanting.  My first sip really feels like a big nothing on the attack, and then fades into a decent finish of cherry and oaky vanilla and spices.  The mouthfeel is extremely smooth, but there are some definite strong tanins here.  I decanted some of this wine and it really helped out a lot.  I get a lot more of the vanilla and spices on the attack after some decanting.

I really think that this is a good wine, but it is a bit early to be drinking it.  The effects of a good decanting and the presence of some strong tanins make me think that this one could probably really stand another year or two before drinking.  I think that this wine is a good value, given the price of other quality Tuscan wines.  I would be comfortable recommending this wine, but would recommend that you stay away from baby killing it like I did.  If you feel like you absolutely have to drink it now, I would let it decant for an hour or two first. 

Final Grade (1-5)

This Sangiovese based wine allowed me to check off another variety for my Wine Century Challenge.  I now have reviewed 15 of 100 varieties, and only have 85 to go!