94 points Vinous Media
Drinking window: 2027 - 2036
The 2022 Syrah is peppery and floral, impressing with a perfumed blend of black currants and exotic spice, lifted by a whiff of crushed stone and dried herbs. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness, showcasing crisp wild berry fruits and nuances of licorice over a silken textural wave. It finishes long and full of zesty tension, as a bump of acidity enlivens the palate and hints of tart blackberry fade. This is a total pleasure to taste.

The fully biodynamic Stefano Amerighi winery continues to refine its pure, site-transparent Syrah from Cortona. Winemaker Francesco Beligni has increased whole-cluster fermentation and discontinued the use of oak barrels, opting instead for a mix of concrete and amphora. I tasted an experimental version of their Syrah Rosa that was made without sulfur; it was a joy to taste, but it will not be released into the market at this time. Amerighi has recently acquired a parcel with stony soils in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, planted at 700 meters of elevation. This area is outside the Cortona DOC, but it has the Amerighi team very excited. I had a chance to preview the 2024 (made with 100% stem inclusion) from concrete tank—it’s spicy, mineral-driven and refined. I can’t wait to revisit it in the future. The 2023s should not be missed. Like everyone else in this part of Italy, Cortona suffered in 2023. Amerighi lost about 20% of their yields, but the wines are quite good.