Like opening up a cedar chest or a humid cigar box, this wine is ripe with wood and forest floor aromas. There is also a back note of warm blackberries steeped in baking spices of clove and cinnamon stick. Tasting this by itself, you get immediate excitement from your gustatory receptors, especially those on either side of your tongue. The tannins are gripping at first but there is enough age that it tapers off rather quickly. This reminds me of what makes Italian wines so great, their balance and their harmony of all characterisitcs...plus they beg to be enjoyed with food.

Pair this with a slow cooked roast with carrots, onions and potatoes and with a thick gravy. You could also enjoy this with a meat ravioli in a hearty tomato sauce!