Mara, Tenuta
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Guiry
Sangiovese
2014
$17.99
12.5%
Cloudy, the scarlet red to violet core slowly moves to washed out brick red approaching the rims. The nose is texturally thick with a sous bois, vinous funkiness, this in curious juxtaposition to the molasses, gingerbread and then strawberry, raspberry fruit elements, in spite of the sweet baking spices there's a pervasive woodsiness to it. Full-bodied, while not entirely lacking in structure it languidly drapes itself across the palate, inviting you to enjoy the sappy strawberry, maraschino cherry to raspberry fruit. Camphor, licorice, lemonade, honey and chamomile accents keep the seductiveness going. The lack of acidity eventually becomes a bother, especially so based on some food pairings. The muddy earth funk stays at the borders. At times feels like it was pressed together in a vise. Very pleasurable but not what you'd expect if you were looking for, say, a Tuscan Sangiovese.
89 points