Back in May, I reviewed the 2008 Piaggia Carmignano and called it the Forgotten DOCG. I’m not sure if that’s fair any longer, at least not in my opinion. The 2008 was excellent, so when I spied the 2009 recently I pounced.
The 2009 Piaggia Carmignano “Il Sasso” is a muscular, solid Sangiovese. In the glass, the wine is a deep violet to purple, no doubt influenced slightly by the Cabernet in the blend. The nose reminds of the 2008, with deep cherry aromas, a floral perfume and a fresh leather and earth component. I remember the 2008 being more perfumed than the 2009, though the latter seems to have much more brooding below the surface.
In the mouth, the wine is full bodied, ripe, juicy and generous. As it opens, dark berry and cherry flavors take center stage, with cedar, leather, dried herb and spice flavors contributing. The wine is fairly “chewy” now, and can benefit from decanting or cellar time. While the 2009 has not yet attained the complexity that the 2008 displayed, I do believe this will improve and develop with cellaring. I bought plenty and intend to follow this wine as it evolves. 92 points about $23.
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| 2009 Piaggia Il Sasso Carmignano |
To learn more about Piaggia, you can see my Interview which contains information and links to their website.
Salute!
John, I see a hand in the back-ground, or is it a fist?
Well, true to form, this is the value wine "we're" all looking for.
Cellar time should be how long?
Although the 2009 vintage was "better" than the 2008, I think that short term cellaring will do this well. I'd try it again in 4-6 months to see if it behaves the same. After that, maybe drink over the next 3-5 years.