Very good, as always (my third vintage). A cherry, strawberry, leather, vanilla and smoke maybe. High, pleasant acidity. Tannins on their way to smoothness. — 18 days ago
Dinner with Austin when he asked us for blessing for proposal to Caroline. Got at central mkt — 17 days ago
Medium deep garnet core , medium wide garnet rim . This shows very well still with some sous bois , dried herbal hints and cherry . On the palate this shows good freshness , red cherry again, freshly cut herbs , touch of tobacco and black tea . Balanced acidity and lightly dusty but resolved tannins . Good length and presence on the palate , with enough fruit still , good balance and a black tea stained finish. This is at peak , and will probably stay here for a few more years , so no immediate rush, but is unlikely to improve further . — 13 days ago
The Antica Terra Botanica Pinot Noir has concentrated notes of black cherry compote, mulberry, wild strawberry, violet, blood orange peel, crushed stone, tarragon leaves, cacao nibs, & clove with fine, polished tannins, lifted acidity, balance; an elegant wine that’s light on its feet with depth of character, projecting a quiet strength. — 21 days ago
La Braccesca – Achelo 2023
Cortona DOC – Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹
100% Syrah
Overview
Achelo is La Braccesca’s pure expression of Syrah, grown in the Cortona appellation — an area that has quickly become Tuscany’s benchmark for this Rhône varietal. Unlike the usual Sangiovese-driven Tuscan reds, this bottle showcases Syrah’s fruit-forward, spicy elegance in a Mediterranean setting.
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry up front, layered with violet, black pepper, and a faint hint of licorice. A touch of Mediterranean herbs rounds it out beautifully.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively freshness. Silky tannins carry a supple, juicy core of fruit, finishing smooth and vibrant without heaviness.
Food Pairings
Pairs effortlessly with grilled sausages, roasted duck, Tuscan cured meats, or pasta with rich ragù. Also a great match for charred vegetables.
Verdict
Expressive, fruity, and juicy to the last sip. Achelo 2023 is a surprising Tuscan treasure that proves Syrah thrives in Cortona — both approachable now and worth watching as it develops.
Did You Know?
Though Syrah is more famously associated with the Rhône Valley, Cortona DOC in Tuscany has built a reputation for world-class Syrah, thanks to its favorable microclimate and clay-limestone soils. — 3 days ago
Full body. Even after being open 4 days, loads of power. Amazing wine. Consumed way too early. — 16 days ago
Andrew Cullimore
Quite deep ruby , garnet core with quite wide garnet rim . Apparently quite a deep , healthy colour for the age. Quite herbal on the nose , dried spices , coffee , with old wood , cacao , touch of mint and spicy tobacco . On the palate this shows good elegance , with sous bois , cassis , dried cherry , tobacco , grafite and rose tinged black tea . Quite fresh acidity and lightly drying tannins . Reasonable length , spicy , herbal tinged finish . Though this is still giving quite a lot of pleasure it is probably at the end of its drinking window , so I would drink up bottles in the near future . — 13 days ago