"95 points James Suckling – This has an intense and attractive nose of peach stones, wild strawberries, cherries, cocoa beans, licorice, matcha and pressed flowers. Generous and aromatically open, with tightly-knit tannins interwoven with layers that keep on giving. Evolves to roasted tea leaves and minerals. Medium and fresh. From organically grown grapes. Try in 2024.
95 Points Michaela Morris, Decanter.com - Helichrysum is crafted from vineyards around San Polino’s winery in Montalcino’s southeast. Harvested just after the estate Brunello, the grapes saw the same pre-fermentation maceration to fix colour, as well as gentle daily pumpovers to keep fragile skins intact. Opening slowly, it's as equally distinct in fragrance as its sister bottling - though more Mediterranean in temperament. Lavender and scented broom mingle with pepper, expanding with sumptuous tannins that hem in plentiful fruit, perky acidity that keeps it lively, and a long and violet-tinged finish. It definitely carries the stuffing and structure for ageing. Drink 2024-2036."
Richard visited this renowned estate in the summer of 2019 and was extremely impressed by the rich, powerful wines. Luigi Fabbro and Katia Nuassbaum founded San Polino 30 years ago, and have long been advocates of Organic and biodynamic practices, he drive and energy they exude gives just a hint of the connection they have with the land and soil and the determination to make the most authentic wines possible from their tiny 4 hectare estate.
The 'Helichrysum' vineyards lie at 450m altitude to the south-east of Montalcino, on south facing slopes. The soil is very varied, rocky with marl, and granite type rocks, both volcanic and sedimentary, clay, sandy-loam, red ferrous and white chalky lime. Worked by hand, organically and biodynamically, the canopy is well-managed to produce healthy, juicy, thick-skinned grapes
