2001 Petrucci

This is a spectacular set of new releases from Podere Forte. The 2011s are ripe, sensual wines that capture the essence of a radiant vintage with late season heat, while the 2010s are firmer, more structured wines. 'Fortune favors the bold,' says proprietor Pasquale Forte. That pretty much sums it up. Forte is part of a group of Italian businessmen that define the entrepreneurial spirit of Italy's northern provinces. His industrial company, Eldor Corporation is a global leader in the manufacturing of motor components for the automobile industry. That same drive informs the wines at this sprawling estate in the Val d'Orcia where Forte plans on spending more of his time as his three sons assume greater roles within Eldor. Forte has spared no expense in what is one of the most beautiful estates and well thought out wineries I have ever seen anywhere in the world. The attention to detail in the vineyards is impressive, while the cellar is impeccably clean, something that is quite rare in Tuscany. I have long admired these wines, but the 2010s are simply off the charts. I also tasted a number of experimental wines with Forte and long-time winemaker Christian Cattaneo, including the 2007 methode Champenoise Blanc de Noirs Asya (from Podere Forte) and the 2008 Aglianico del Vulture, from Forte's vineyards in Basilicata. Both wines have never been released, but are impeccable, to say the least. Forte continues to snap up property in an effort to revitalize the surrounding area. His informal restaurant Perilla in Rocca d'Orcia is fabulous, while a Relais & Chateau hotel is in the development stages. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how things play out in the coming years, but there is little question Pasquale Forte is a visionary and that the region is incredibly fortunate he has chosen to invest his money and, more importantly, his time, here rather than somewhere else. That much is obvious. Readers who can find the 2010s should absolutely not hesitate.