2001 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

A multifaceted display of crushed ashen stone, balsam herbs, plum sauce, rich black cherry, underbrush and hints of leather captivate as the 2001 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo blossoms slowly in the glass. It’s velvety, nearly weighty on the palate, with masses of ripe red fruits laced with notes of tobacco and inner earthy tones; yet through it all, nervous acidity maintains balance. A sweet and sour mix of citrus lingers, along with exotic spices and a bitter twang of sour cherry. The 2001 finishes long, fully resolved, yet also full of life. Of note, it took a solid 15 minutes in the glass for this to open, but once it did–Wow!