For the San Rocco, Azelia uses small, lightly toasted French oak barrels, only 10% new, to stabilise the colour and give the wine the gentle micro-oxidation they feel it needs. It is gorgeously scented with mint, sweet baking spice, cocoa and hints of smoke. There's plenty of depth and richness on the palate, with nutmeg and wild cherry at the core, the tannins clamped down waiting to unfold. There is no lack of polish here.
January 2018