2008 Contrade di Taurasi (Cantine Lonardo) Taurasi

The 2008 Taurasi is beautifully precise in this vintage. Dark red cherries, plums, smoke and incense are all beautifully woven together in the glass. Firm Aglianico tannins frame the finish, but ultimately the 2008 comes across as quite polished for this bottling. This is a totally impeccable, gorgeous wine from Lonardo. The 2008 was aged predominantly in neutral French oak tonneaux. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. It has been very exciting to see all that has happened at Cantine Lonardo over the last few years. The wines, once on the rustic side, are increasingly polished and expressive. With the 2007 vintage, Lonardo has released two single-vineyard Taurasis from some of the most prized sites in the appellation. To say these are some of the most thrilling wines I have tasted recently from Campania would be a huge understatement. Taurasi doesn’t get anywhere near the attention the wines deserve. These three wines are about as good (or great!) as it gets. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404