Feudi di San Gregorio, Piano di Monte Vergine, Taurasi 1999

Opaque purple/red.

Charry, embers, sawn redwood nose. I don't think this is entirely from new oak. Idiosyncratic, but very deep.

Earthy, spicy, woodfire character repeats, front and center, in the mouth. Has great breadth and flavor impact. There's a primal black fruit aspect that I can't come close to identifying. Long, chewy finish. Tannin has an edgy quality that will be off-putting to many in this day and age.

Generally speaking, this is a wake-up call to New World, easy drinking folks. They will want to hate this, but there is simply too much going on not to love the stuff.

All Aglianico, a variety to be reckoned with.

$60