1997 Trinoro

The 1997 Tenuta di Trinoro (60% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot) is a phenomenal effort for a first wine. Tasted from magnum, it still shows a deeply saturated color, with a superb nose that is followed by opulent layers of jammy ripe fruit, chocolate, cassis, menthol and sweet toasted oak. Ample and full-bodied on the palate, it is absolutely irresistible. The warm vintage produced a deeply concentrated, powerful wine that promises to drink well for another 10-15 years, even if it doesn't quite posses the detail of the very finest vintages. Although Tenuta di Trinoro was produced in 1995 and 1996, the first commercial release was the 1997.

Magnum. Very deep colour (deeper than either 1998 or 1999) and very intense, direct aroma (still aroma, not bouquet). Bold, sweet, inevitably Italian and only then do Bordeaux flavours intercede. Somehow naked, unadorned, untarted, oak very sublimated, direct fruits of the soil. Lovely kick of Tuscany plus the appetising nature of Cabernet Franc gives a really delicate wine. Maybe slightly short but could not be faulted up to that point. Presumably will develop considerably – although the tannin management is superb. (JR)

This is an impressively-endowed effort from a new producer. The purple-colored 1997 Tenuta di Trinoro vino da tavola is clean, with pure blackberry and cherry notes nicely complemented by spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied, with attractive oak, this sweetheart wine should drink well for 10-12 years. This estate is an impressive newcomer to be watched closely. Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000