Italian Wine Scholar Class at the Texas Wine School. Complex & intense, made with 100% passito Chiavennasca from higher altitude vineyards in the Inferno, Grumello and Valgella subzones. Med+ to deep ruby w/ a garnet hue. Pronounced ripe black cherry, black plum, dried figs, candied flowers, medicinal, aromatic herbs, earth, mocha, & sweet baking spices (from 18-24 mos in French oak). Dry, but fruit forward, w/ a rich and rounded mouthfeel. The tannins are still med+ after 12 yrs. High alcohol (16%) but well integrated and unobtrusive. The med+ acidity counterbalances the richness of the fruit, alcohol and extract. Full-bodied, intensely-flavored, w/ a remarkably long balsam and licorice finish, yet manages to be quite balanced and elegant. Has at least least another 2-3 years of aging potential.
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Received as a gift. Interesting and different. Not sure I'd buy this, but it certainly was unique, and had a sneaky appeal. Paired well with lunchtime pasta.
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1/24/2024 - Grandemats Likes this wine: 94 Points
Well balanced, silky and developed still some grippy tanins. Red fruits and all mountain-herbs and spices you can wish for!
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5/21/2023 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 95 Points
Italian Wine Scholar Class at the Texas Wine School. Complex & intense, made with 100% passito Chiavennasca from higher altitude vineyards in the Inferno, Grumello and Valgella subzones. Med+ to deep ruby w/ a garnet hue. Pronounced ripe black cherry, black plum, dried figs, candied flowers, medicinal, aromatic herbs, earth, mocha, & sweet baking spices (from 18-24 mos in French oak). Dry, but fruit forward, w/ a rich and rounded mouthfeel. The tannins are still med+ after 12 yrs. High alcohol (16%) but well integrated and unobtrusive. The med+ acidity counterbalances the richness of the fruit, alcohol and extract. Full-bodied, intensely-flavored, w/ a remarkably long balsam and licorice finish, yet manages to be quite balanced and elegant. Has at least least another 2-3 years of aging potential.
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11/26/2021 - walterb Likes this wine: 94 Points
Earthy smell, black currant, tobacco. Nicely balanced, highly concentrated intens wine. Very nice!
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6/13/2020 - tedcholl Likes this wine: 92 Points
Flavors of dried cherry, raisins, cloves, plum, and tar.
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4/11/2017 - BradE wrote:
Received as a gift. Interesting and different. Not sure I'd buy this, but it certainly was unique, and had a sneaky appeal. Paired well with lunchtime pasta.
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