2010 Serpico Irpinia Aglianico Feudi di San Gregorio

The outstanding 2010 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico is Aglianico from a pre-phylloxera vineyard that sees 18 months of medium toast oak. This vintage reveals an impressive sense of balance and inner harmony with dark fruit tones that are enhanced by bright accents of cherry and dried blueberry. Extra focus and intensity is achieved thanks to the dusty mineral shadings that give pretty contours to the plump fruit. There are distant endnotes of crushed white pepper as well. The tannins offer both firmness and texture. This is a beautiful expression of Aglianico.

Moderately saturated ruby. Penetrating aromas and flavors of red cherry, dark plum, mocha, flowers and vanilla. Then bright and suave on the palate, with tobacco and mineral notes adding complexity. The long finish features youthfully chewy tannins and a repeating vanilla quality. An outstanding wine, and much better than the overly tannic 2011 Serpico.