2008 Serpico Rosso Feudi di San Gregorio

A balanced and delicious red now with plum and light clove character. Hints of volcanic ash. Full body, soft tannins and a fruity finish. Very reserved and refined. Firmness at the end. Drink now or hold.

The 2008 Serpico (Aglianico) is dark, powerful and intense. Black cherries, tar, asphalt and menthol are some of the nuances that emerge from this vibrant, tightly coiled Serpico. The 2008 will require cellaring, but the wine has a brilliant track record of repaying patience. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

Serpico is a bold, larger-than-life wine, with beautiful aromatic intensity and notes of black fruit, espresso and crushed granite. Some 18 months of oak aging adds elements of dark spice and smoke; and the wine shows firm tannins and a long, polished mouthfeel. It's very elegant and should withstand many more years of cellar aging.

The dark and brooding flavors of brambly berry, underbrush, aged balsamic vinegar and black licorice are underscored by a rich note of tarry smoke in this burly red. The muscular tannins clamp down on the finish. Needs some time. Best from 2015 through 2023. -AN