Umbria

This is one of the great wines of Italy even if relatively obscure to the general wine drinking public.  it is made from the Sagrantino grape which is tannic and needs time to develop.  This is 13 years old and still needs more time until peak.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, plums, slight coffee and anise.  On the palate, a wall of black cherry fruit with firm tannins.  It is thick and delicious.  With air, some additional notes of anise and spice come out on the palate.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  

Sagrantino is another of those Italian grapes that seem to take a long time to mature.  That said, this is drinking surprisingly well if a bit tannic already.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, black licorice, and roasted herbs.  On the palate, this has firm tannins.  Lovely black cherry fruit with an underlying charred damp earth.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This went great with a pasta dish.  A bit pricey for the wine at $31 but that is more than fair for the quality.  This will continue to integrate for at least five years and be good until 2029 and probably beyond.  

This is a blend of Sangiovese 60%, Merlot 30%, Sagrantino 10%.  It was purchased in Italy and brought back by friends.  This is one of those simple wines that probably tastes better young and certainly when consumed on vacation.  That said, it was delightful in a local Italian restaurant with some simple pasta dishes.  This vintage doesn't seem available in the US, but later vintages retail for around $16.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, roasted herbs and a bit of chocolate.  Just guessing, but this likely sees no oak.  On the palate, this has nice acidity.  The cherries come t

This is a blend of 65% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 20% Merlot  from Umbria in Italy.  It is an excellent value that is just starting to hit its drinking window.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has black cherries, plums, a bit of dry earth and char.  On the palate, this mostly about cherries with a bit of chocolate.  Medium bodied with good acidity, this is not a big wine but there is plenty of fruit.  It unwinds in the glass and shows moderated depth and complexity.  Good finish.  This is about or close to peak but should has another ten years at this level.  It will work well with pasta

Purple in color.  The nose is dusty with cherries.  On the palate, this has some medium tannins.  cherries and slight forest floor.  Good acidity.  This is food friendly and reminds me of a Sangiovese (Chianti) with more tannic structure.  $23 is fair.