WA94+: This wine is a bit of a provocation because, although it could technically qualify as a Rosso di Montalcino, it aims much higher and wears its IGT Toscana appellation very proudly as a result. The Giodo 2022 La Quinta is all Sangiovese from eight-year-old vines planted in front of Carlo Ferrini's stone-clad winery. If anything, Ferrini tells me that his inspiration for this bottle is Chianti Classico more than Montalcino. The wine shows terrific volume (with aging in amphorae and oak) and lots of bright primary fruit with cherry, fresh cranberry, incense and spice. This area withstood the summer heat of 2022 because it is located on the eastern side of the appellation and is surrounded by cooling forests. There is so much pretty fruit in this wine, and you get the freshness of Sangiovese along with elegant, powdery tannins.

JS94: Lively red fruits of strawberries, red cherries, and violets followed by a mix of spices and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, with fine and sophisticated tannins with delightful acidity. Elegant and artful wine with beautiful purity and complexity. Already fascinating now but it will go further as it ages.