Print this Wine         1998 Pikes "Premio" Sangiovese   POLISH HILL RIVER, CLARE VALLEY                 January Release Case Size: 6/750ml Italian Varietals       There are climatic similarities between the Clare Valley and Tuscany. The summer and fall seasons are generally warm and dry. Both are situated amongst rolling hills where morning dew is trapped to protect the vines during extended periods of sunshine. It is reasonable to expect that grape varieties so perfectly suited to Tuscany should work in the Clare. It has taken a long time but with the planting of Sangiovese the brothers Pike, Neil and Andrew have taken the initiative and provide the region with a valid alternative to the traditional big rich chocolate and plum pudding like reds the area is famous for. This wine has a medium red color with just the slightest orange tint around the rim. It certainly looks more like a Tuscan red than a local wine. Plenty of perfume greets you immediately with rose petals, strawberries and the touch of vanilla. This is quite a complex bouquet devoid of a single dominating factor, and relying on a combination of different aromas. Tasting the wine reveals another spectrum of flavors. Here the fruit is more like cherries, with sweet fruit flavors mixing with earthy and mineral components. In addition there is a mocha character and a hint of bitterness. The texture across the palate is full and rich. The net effect is that of a battle between sweet and dry components. This makes the wine far more interesting than a simple fruity wine. The style is neither a Clare Valley red, nor a Tuscan red. It has factors consistent with both these styles. At the finish there is a very dry and dusty character. The tannins are plentiful and typical of the Sangiovese variety. This wine is ready to drink now with appropriate food matches but will also develop with several years of bottle age. The tannins should significantly soften in 5 to 8 years. If you open a bottle now you will need to select food that will soften the drying and puckering effect of the tannin. Rich braised dishes such as Osso Bucco will certainly soften the back of the palate. Pasta dishes with Ragu style sauces will also work well. Game meats such as Hare would be most suitable.         How do I download Hi-Res Labels?

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