Opened at restaurant. Similar notes to my earlier reviews. Drinking great now - this wine has not declined at all - every bottle has been great and whomever I share it with, loves it. I need to buy more wines with the Taurasi varietal - I have liked every one.
Really lovely, fully mature, deeply sapid wine. Very floral nose, almost in the face of the dark ruby color. Full-bodied, but in that mature way, the way that says there's still plenty of fresh acidity to keep it interesting. Floral notes, followed by complex soil tones slightly overwhelm the ripe plum and sweet cassis aromas/flavors. This remains interesting until the very last sip, when it's turned into a floral Amarone-esque wine; even then, thanks to the acidity, it's interesting. In a special place just now, don't wait any longer. Cork and fill near perfect. 14,0% abv., the heavy bottle thing sucked, please, never again with the heavy bottle. Anyone. Everyone. recommended
About the amount, at least, of fine and chunky sediment as you'd expect at this point, so carefully decant; now and the next 2-4 years, depending on your cellar temp.
Plum and bitter black cherry, some stem and bramble, savoury herbs, liquorice. Not bad, but none of the components really mesh. And there's this latex paint note on the nose that's hard to get past.
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Aromatic nose; Delicious bottle; opening up in the glass-- alluring; different notes noted with each sip; fresh, dark cherry, candied fruit, smoked meats, oak, flowers. Seems more integrated than long ago when last tasted. Round mouth feel; reasonable finish. Interesting; like a juicy Brunello.
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Nice dark /black fruits and some brambles, but overall I felt overwhelmed by a strong raw oak taste. The tannins have already separated so I don't have high hopes of it gaining more balance in the near future.
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Dense, dark plum colour. Nose doesn't give up much of anything except dark fruit. Body is fairly weighty. The concentration of flavours is a bit too much: tart black fruit, pomegranate, lots of cigar box and cedar, some sweet chocolate. Decent acidity. Big, mouth coating, powdery tannins. Not much in the way of tertiary characteristics. It's a little over the top, cloying and blowsy.
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Wow was exactly my reaction! First time for this wine in any vintage. What an interesting varietal. Not a fruit bomb, but an intense flavor bomb. Rich, dark fruits coated with chocolate, some lingering tobacco. Tannins still quite evident but just beginning to soften. Has many years ahead, but drinking very well now.
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Medium to full body with great freshness and structure. Very ripe, complex, earthy, vivid and long aftertaste. Great wine that will improve in the next few years although good to drink now.
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Pfff, decanted for one hour. Deep dark, full bodied wine. Glycerine, fat balsamic. Power, glass coating, massive tannins and oak. Superlatives but not easy to drink. Definitially a great wine but this wine needs food to accomplish. Think this wine has enough potential to last at least for the next 5 a 6 years.
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Decanted for 1,5 hour. Nice on the nose with vanilla, ripe berries, oak and alcohol. On the palate this is full bodied, big with prominent alcohol and high astringency. Tannins are too aggressive now. Definitely, it's too young at this point. It needs at least 10 more years. Recommended! 90+
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Extremely dark color. An awful sulphury nose right after opening, but it blows off with a few hours of air exposure. Much cleaner on the palate with slightly oxidized black cherry and blackberry fruit, tobacco and tar, very full-bodied and very concentrated, seems a bit too artificial to me, rather grippy tannins that provide good structure and a well integrated acidity, a slight sweetness kicks in on the long finish. Overall a very modern and concentrated wine with tannins that still need to soften while the fruit shows beginning oxidation. Unsure how this will evolve. Currently lacks some life and excitement for my palate. - 88 points
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Heaviest bottle of wine I have ever owned. Popped, decanted, and poured. Dark, very dark garnet color. Beautiful bouquet, with a hint of alcohol, but no hotness whatsoever on the palate. A little tight upon opening, but two hours made a huge difference. A big wine but very accessible, with a very long finish. I'm glad I have five more bottles. Good now, but will be even better a year or two from now. Delicious!
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Very dark, with nice aromas. Full bodied and balanced mouth feel with integrated tannins. Somewhat sweet finish, but don't get me wrong, it is not sweet! Very good wine.
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Tannins are still quite chewy and dry, which suggests that it could use some more bottle age. However, I don't know if the fruit will fade before the tannins do. That being said, this is a big, significant wine that I gained great respect over over several days of consumption.
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This is an exciting wine. Glass staining color. A huge wine but just very fresh and exotic on the nose with enticing aromas of black raspberry and cherry along with vanilla and fresh mint. This is a powerful classy and wonderfully balanced, with fabulous fruit and a finish that goes on and on. Delicious! (Drink 2010-2018) - JD95+
Color: 10/10 Aroma/Nose: 19/20 Structure: 19/20 Finish: 19/20 Overall Impression: 24/25 Delicious or X Factor 4.5/5
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color dark purple nose, complex flowers, bluberries, smoke, pencil taste let breathe for 4 hours and still tasted like hair, tannins were powerful, then decanted for 4 more hours and drank throughour the night. It was big, and tannins were still evident, it was not pleasurable to drink alone until 8 hours later. Even then it seemed to lack balance. Would wait several more years until I try another.
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Clearly endowed with formidable stucture and concentration, and black as ink. Austere upon opening initially, with charcoal, olive, and spices dominating the nose; almost a little woody at this point. It takes about half a day for the fruit to emerge, in the form of blackberry and plum. Grippy, chewy tannins and good length. While the wine is drinkable now, I concur with other reviewers that it still has some years to go before reaching maturity. Dense, powerful, and definitely the sort of thing that gets good scores from critics. My only concern is that it seemed a little oak-driven?
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This one seemed even bigger than the one I drank before. It's a behemoth of a wine, huge concentration on the palate. It's a very good wine, but maybe too much of a good thing? I think I'll sit on my other bottles for a few more years in the hopes that this eases off somewhat.
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It has the color of a young petite sirah (i.e. squid ink); it's 8 yrs old and there's still serious pigment in the bubbles during a vigorous decanting. Reticent nose (a little cold initally) w/a smidge of tar, black fruit and coffee. Serious grip/ tannins but all in all well balanced becasue of the depth. Persistent on the back end, it has YEARS.
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After the previous sweet and jammy Aglianico this is a qualitative jump. It does have the same fruit profile but without the overt sweetness I can now taste a lot more interesting flavours. Very black/opaque, dense and full-bodied with olive, licorice, dark fruit, seems in some ways almost like a brawny S Rhone.
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Powerful Aglianico wine (100 percent) from a single vineyard (Rajamagra) in Taurasi. This riserva wine was matured for five years in oak barrels. Decanted: two hours prior to tasting. Black-inky colored wine with a massive (Barolo-like) nose showing aromas of blackcurrant, plum, clove and a hint of anise and tar. Masculine, concentrated palate with still quite chewy tannins, which are hiding the fruit elements at this stadium of its development. Long, complex, slightly dry finish. It seems advisable to leave it in storage for three-four years to let the tannins settle down. Great potential to improve.
Bijzonder krachtige Aglianico-wijn (100 percent) uit de “Rajamagra-cru” in Taurasi. Deze riserva-wijn verbleef vijf jaar op eiken vat. Decanteertijd: twee uur. Diepe zwarte, inktachtige kleur en een indrukwekkend bouquet (Barolo-achtig) van zwarte bes, pruim, kruidnagel en een zweem van anijs en teer. In de mond: een zeer mannelijke, super geconcentreerde wijn met nog steeds vrij stevige tannines, die het fruit in de wijn wat op de achtergrond dringen. Lange, complexe, licht uitdrogende finale. Het lijkt mij aanbevelenswaardig, deze wijn nog drie-vier jaar kelderrust te gunnen, om de tannines beter te laten versmelten en verzachten. Zeer goed ontwikkelingspotentieel.
The previous reviewer nailed it. This is a big, bold wine with lots going on. Will benefit from a few more years but still quite accessible and fun to drink now.
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Light cannot penetrate this wine with its old world cherry scents and reminiscent notes of orange hostess cupcake. Big and grapey on the palate, where a clement, beefy, dark berry and cherry presence mixes over- and under-ripe fruit against a thick cushion of suede tannins. A dense and stodgy wine.
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11/11/2022 - JJKinch wrote: 91 Points
Dark fruit (cherry, blueberry, slight plum), spice, earth, slight floral, slight anise?, slight herbal. Good acidity. Lingering finish.
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2/12/2019 - joefel Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opened at restaurant. Similar notes to my earlier reviews. Drinking great now - this wine has not declined at all - every bottle has been great and whomever I share it with, loves it. I need to buy more wines with the Taurasi varietal - I have liked every one.
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10/21/2017 - John McCabe wrote: 90 Points
Big and brazen, like previous bottles, this is a bit too much. Has a raisan tone, a bit like a bad Amarone.
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7/6/2017 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
Really lovely, fully mature, deeply sapid wine. Very floral nose, almost in the face of the dark ruby color. Full-bodied, but in that mature way, the way that says there's still plenty of fresh acidity to keep it interesting. Floral notes, followed by complex soil tones slightly overwhelm the ripe plum and sweet cassis aromas/flavors. This remains interesting until the very last sip, when it's turned into a floral Amarone-esque wine; even then, thanks to the acidity, it's interesting. In a special place just now, don't wait any longer. Cork and fill near perfect. 14,0% abv., the heavy bottle thing sucked, please, never again with the heavy bottle. Anyone. Everyone. recommended
About the amount, at least, of fine and chunky sediment as you'd expect at this point, so carefully decant; now and the next 2-4 years, depending on your cellar temp.
https://www.ItalianWine.blog
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6/30/2017 - sunnylea57 wrote: 86 Points
Plum and bitter black cherry, some stem and bramble, savoury herbs, liquorice. Not bad, but none of the components really mesh. And there's this latex paint note on the nose that's hard to get past.
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11/11/2016 - dlcass Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aromatic nose; Delicious bottle; opening up in the glass-- alluring; different notes noted with each sip; fresh, dark cherry, candied fruit, smoked meats, oak, flowers. Seems more integrated than long ago when last tasted. Round mouth feel; reasonable finish. Interesting; like a juicy Brunello.
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10/21/2015 - WilD wrote: 90 Points
Still performing well. Deep dark fruit. Ithink this bottle needs to be drunk now because the fruit starts fading away.
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9/9/2014 - WilD wrote: 90 Points
Decant this wine. Full bodied, still performing well. Match my previous note.
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8/3/2014 - WinePlanner wrote: 84 Points
Nice dark /black fruits and some brambles, but overall I felt overwhelmed by a strong raw oak taste. The tannins have already separated so I don't have high hopes of it gaining more balance in the near future.
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6/4/2014 - John McCabe wrote: 89 Points
Feels a bit brazen and over-done. No real charm. It's bold and concentrated but a bit muddled.
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4/16/2014 - sunnylea57 wrote: 88 Points
Dense, dark plum colour. Nose doesn't give up much of anything except dark fruit. Body is fairly weighty. The concentration of flavours is a bit too much: tart black fruit, pomegranate, lots of cigar box and cedar, some sweet chocolate. Decent acidity. Big, mouth coating, powdery tannins. Not much in the way of tertiary characteristics. It's a little over the top, cloying and blowsy.
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2/3/2014 - nschmidt Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bold wine but not over the top. Tannins are evident but not overwhelming. Stood up very well to Mighty Quinns BBQ at Super Bowl party.
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1/3/2014 - JimN Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow was exactly my reaction! First time for this wine in any vintage. What an interesting varietal. Not a fruit bomb, but an intense flavor bomb. Rich, dark fruits coated with chocolate, some lingering tobacco. Tannins still quite evident but just beginning to soften. Has many years ahead, but drinking very well now.
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7/21/2013 - Winiac wrote: 92 Points
Wow! Dark fruit, full bodied, well structured and luscious!
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2/5/2013 - Marcyrillo Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium to full body with great freshness and structure. Very ripe, complex, earthy, vivid and long aftertaste. Great wine that will improve in the next few years although good to drink now.
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9/17/2012 - Winiac wrote: 93 Points
Very dark. Full bodiesd with cassis, caramel and cooked berry taste. Extremely ripe and balanced. This wine is going to last for ever.
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5/11/2012 - WilD wrote: 90 Points
Pfff, decanted for one hour. Deep dark, full bodied wine. Glycerine, fat balsamic. Power, glass coating, massive tannins and oak. Superlatives but not easy to drink. Definitially a great wine but this wine needs food to accomplish. Think this wine has enough potential to last at least for the next 5 a 6 years.
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3/10/2012 - vsbastosx wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for 1,5 hour.
Nice on the nose with vanilla, ripe berries, oak and alcohol. On the palate this is full bodied, big with prominent alcohol and high astringency. Tannins are too aggressive now. Definitely, it's too young at this point. It needs at least 10 more years. Recommended! 90+
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2/27/2012 - isbjoern wrote: 88 Points
Extremely dark color. An awful sulphury nose right after opening, but it blows off with a few hours of air exposure. Much cleaner on the palate with slightly oxidized black cherry and blackberry fruit, tobacco and tar, very full-bodied and very concentrated, seems a bit too artificial to me, rather grippy tannins that provide good structure and a well integrated acidity, a slight sweetness kicks in on the long finish. Overall a very modern and concentrated wine with tannins that still need to soften while the fruit shows beginning oxidation. Unsure how this will evolve. Currently lacks some life and excitement for my palate. - 88 points
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12/18/2011 - blockboy wrote: 92 Points
Last two were much nicer than the first. Balanced nose. Tannins receded. Overall much more enjoyable
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11/12/2011 - joefel Likes this wine: 93 Points
Same notes as previous bottle.
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11/7/2011 - KSWinegeek wrote: 92 Points
Black and dense. Considerable viscosity. Big, complex wine in early drinking window. Took to blind tasting as was mistaken for Barolo.
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10/29/2011 - ctjared wrote:
Not a good follower of aussie shiraz, but good in its own right. I remember older bottles being far fruitier though.
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10/6/2011 - joefel Likes this wine: 93 Points
Heaviest bottle of wine I have ever owned. Popped, decanted, and poured. Dark, very dark garnet color. Beautiful bouquet, with a hint of alcohol, but no hotness whatsoever on the palate. A little tight upon opening, but two hours made a huge difference. A big wine but very accessible, with a very long finish. I'm glad I have five more bottles. Good now, but will be even better a year or two from now. Delicious!
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10/2/2011 - revanness wrote: 92 Points
A 2 hour decant is enough.
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6/11/2011 - Winiac wrote: 92 Points
Very dark, with nice aromas. Full bodied and balanced mouth feel with integrated tannins. Somewhat sweet finish, but don't get me wrong, it is not sweet! Very good wine.
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3/25/2011 - Jack O'Brien wrote:
Same as previous note
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3/16/2011 - Pointchaser wrote: 93 Points
Tannins are still quite chewy and dry, which suggests that it could use some more bottle age. However, I don't know if the fruit will fade before the tannins do. That being said, this is a big, significant wine that I gained great respect over over several days of consumption.
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1/17/2011 - InternationalWineReport wrote: 95 Points
This is an exciting wine. Glass staining color. A huge wine but just very fresh and exotic on the nose with enticing aromas of black raspberry and cherry along with vanilla and fresh mint. This is a powerful classy and wonderfully balanced, with fabulous fruit and a finish that goes on and on. Delicious! (Drink 2010-2018) - JD95+
Color: 10/10
Aroma/Nose: 19/20
Structure: 19/20
Finish: 19/20
Overall Impression: 24/25
Delicious or X Factor 4.5/5
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1/11/2011 - blockboy wrote: 88 Points
color dark purple
nose, complex flowers, bluberries, smoke, pencil
taste let breathe for 4 hours and still tasted like hair, tannins were powerful, then decanted for 4 more hours and drank throughour the night. It was big, and tannins were still evident, it was not pleasurable to drink alone until 8 hours later. Even then it seemed to lack balance. Would wait several more years until I try another.
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12/21/2010 - Jack O'Brien wrote: 93 Points
See rollerball's comment
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12/20/2010 - heythatslife wrote: 92 Points
Clearly endowed with formidable stucture and concentration, and black as ink. Austere upon opening initially, with charcoal, olive, and spices dominating the nose; almost a little woody at this point. It takes about half a day for the fruit to emerge, in the form of blackberry and plum. Grippy, chewy tannins and good length. While the wine is drinkable now, I concur with other reviewers that it still has some years to go before reaching maturity. Dense, powerful, and definitely the sort of thing that gets good scores from critics. My only concern is that it seemed a little oak-driven?
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9/1/2010 - John McCabe wrote: 91 Points
This one seemed even bigger than the one I drank before. It's a behemoth of a wine, huge concentration on the palate. It's a very good wine, but maybe too much of a good thing? I think I'll sit on my other bottles for a few more years in the hopes that this eases off somewhat.
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4/6/2010 - Grinner wrote: 92 Points
It has the color of a young petite sirah (i.e. squid ink); it's 8 yrs old and there's still serious pigment in the bubbles during a vigorous decanting. Reticent nose (a little cold initally) w/a smidge of tar, black fruit and coffee. Serious grip/ tannins but all in all well balanced becasue of the depth. Persistent on the back end, it has YEARS.
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4/3/2010 - Hazeo wrote: 91 Points
After the previous sweet and jammy Aglianico this is a qualitative jump. It does have the same fruit profile but without the overt sweetness I can now taste a lot more interesting flavours. Very black/opaque, dense and full-bodied with olive, licorice, dark fruit, seems in some ways almost like a brawny S Rhone.
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1/6/2010 - huse wrote: 92 Points
Powerful Aglianico wine (100 percent) from a single vineyard (Rajamagra) in Taurasi. This riserva wine was matured for five years in oak barrels. Decanted: two hours prior to tasting. Black-inky colored wine with a massive (Barolo-like) nose showing aromas of blackcurrant, plum, clove and a hint of anise and tar. Masculine, concentrated palate with still quite chewy tannins, which are hiding the fruit elements at this stadium of its development. Long, complex, slightly dry finish. It seems advisable to leave it in storage for three-four years to let the tannins settle down. Great potential to improve.
Bijzonder krachtige Aglianico-wijn (100 percent) uit de “Rajamagra-cru” in Taurasi. Deze riserva-wijn verbleef vijf jaar op eiken vat. Decanteertijd: twee uur. Diepe zwarte, inktachtige kleur en een indrukwekkend bouquet (Barolo-achtig) van zwarte bes, pruim, kruidnagel en een zweem van anijs en teer. In de mond: een zeer mannelijke, super geconcentreerde wijn met nog steeds vrij stevige tannines, die het fruit in de wijn wat op de achtergrond dringen. Lange, complexe, licht uitdrogende finale. Het lijkt mij aanbevelenswaardig, deze wijn nog drie-vier jaar kelderrust te gunnen, om de tannines beter te laten versmelten en verzachten. Zeer goed ontwikkelingspotentieel.
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12/13/2009 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
The previous reviewer nailed it. This is a big, bold wine with lots going on. Will benefit from a few more years but still quite accessible and fun to drink now.
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12/11/2009 - Rollerball wrote: 92 Points
Light cannot penetrate this wine with its old world cherry scents and reminiscent notes of orange hostess cupcake. Big and grapey on the palate, where a clement, beefy, dark berry and cherry presence mixes over- and under-ripe fruit against a thick cushion of suede tannins. A dense and stodgy wine.
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