Fascinating to drink this side by side with the Ovello from the same warm vintage.  This is more muscular and dense.  Deep purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is tight but opens in the glass to show black cherries, cherries, slight mint and perhaps some balsamic.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins that are a bit drying.  Plenty of depth and complexity but tightly layered.  Much more open on the palate.  Black cherries with spice but also a hint of stewed fruits.  The later is not overwhelming but is more prominent in the finish.  This wine has excellent parts but one wonders if it ever puts it all together.  That said, it is the king of nit picking that can be carried too far as this is truly outstanding.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  It will work better with food.  Veal Chops would work well.  

Grade: 
A
Score: 
94
Vintage: 
2011