Vintus

Giampaolo Motta's small-production red, Giorgio Primo, is unquestionably one of Italy's top wines. Giorgio Primo results from a diligent, manual selection of the finest Sangiovese (for the 2003 vintage, 70%) and Merlot (30%) grapes, harvested exclusively from the estate’s vineyards. The La Massa estate includes 27 hectares (67 acres) of vineyards, perfectly exposed to the south and situated in the “Golden Basin” at Panzano. Perched at an altitude of 360 meters (1,181 feet), the terrain consists primarily of shaley clay and marl. Vinification lasts about 15-20 days and it subsequent racking occurs in new 225-liter barrels of French oak. After 18 months of ageing, bottling is carried out in a single operation.
 
2003 Vintage Reviews:

“Dark and powerful with intense aromas of tar, berry and raisin. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and big, velvety tannins. Full-throttle. Huge wine. What this lacks in finesse it gives in power. Best ever from here.” 93 Wine Spectator, July 2006
 
Giorgio Primo 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001: 3 Glasses, Gambero Rosso Guide