Montemercurio Messaggero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2008

(sangiovese with a little merlot): Dark red. Bright aromas of red berries and licorice. A lively midweight with red cherry and tobacco flavors complicated by saline and herbal notes. Finishes moderately long and clean. As good as it is, the 2010 Petaso Rosso di Montepulciano (a much better vintage than 2008) is its equivalent. This promising, relatively new estate in Montepulciano is run by 25-year-old Marco Anselmi (the first vintage was 2007, but one of the vineyards was planted by his grandfather). Wines are traditionally made: this one was aged in 40- and 50-hectoliter casks. The estate's name derives from an ancient temple devoted to the god Mercury, from which Montepulciano took its original name (mons mercurio). Score - 89. (Ian D'Agata, vinousmedia.com, Sept. 2014)