Basilicata

This is a very nice wine made from the Aglianico grape in southern Italy (think the arch of the foot).  Aglianico can be one of the more tannic grapes.  It often needs a lot of cellaring to come around but also can be quite long lived.  Purple in color, slight ruby rim.  The nose is nice with black cherries, black pepper, roasted herbs, and slight anise.  On the palate, this has strong tannins.  Bright black cherry fruit with good acidity.  This will need at least five years to show much and better to give it ten.  It should be good for another ten to fifteen, at least, after that.  It is v

This is from the "arch" of the Italian boot area and made from the Aglianico grape.  It is possibly the best wine from this area but it does take a long time to mature.  At 19 years from vintage, this wine is now in a great place.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has black cherries, leather, cigar box, and dust.  On the palate, it does show some age but plenty of fresh cherries and black cherries as well over a dry earthy, tobacco quality.  Good acidity, this goes quite well with food.  Nice finish.  It was decanted for sediment and continued to improve for an hour before leveling off.  No

Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is dusty with cherries.  It seems slightly oxidized at this point but not to the point of not enjoying the wine.  On the palate, more cherry cough drop.  Good acidity.  Very nice wine that may be a bit past peak but drinking well.  Still, I would drink these sooner than later.  

Deep ruby in color, purple core.  The nose ha some slight recution on it.  Plums and black cherries.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, big dark cherry fruit.  Also plums.  A very tasty wine.  A modicum of depth but this is more about easy and drink now and enjoy.  Nice finish.  $15 is a great value.