This is the third vintage of Pizzini’s top tier Rubacouri that I’ve tasted. It’s not an inexpensive wine and I’ve heard all the arguments about how you could buy a very good Brunello di Montalcino or a couple of impressive Chianti Classicos for the same price. But that’s just the thing. You’d be tasting something else. I’m a curious wine drinker. Value is but one consideration that may or may not enter my mind when I purchase a wine. I like the Rubacouri as an expression of both King Valley Sangiovese and Pizzini as a producer. So much so that I have no qualms purchasing a bottle when my finances allow.
I’m not convinced that this is quite as good as the 2004 release but it’s delicious. There’s plenty of oak yet it’s settling into the wine very well already. Sweeter cherry and raspberry fruit is woven together with tar, sage, aniseed and leather to create a balance of flavour that leans toward savouriness but leaves space for luscious peaks. Gorgeous mouthfeel and shape culminating in supremely textured and toothsome tannin. Excellent extension. It just got better and better as it sat in the decanter. 94
Region: King Valley
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Diam
Price: $110
Tasted: June 2013