87 2003 Di Majo Norante Aglianico ConTaDo 5/25/07 ($13)
13.5% alc
Color: Deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Black raspberries, Pinot-Noir-like cola nuances and a little grapiness with rustic southern Italian soil and cedar thrown in. Excellent intensity. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity and some tannin with decent fruit, but could use a bit more to balance the acidity. Solid middleweight. (2.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with some tart cherry added. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with tart acidity lingering. Fruit is short here. (2.5)
Overall: A very good southern Italian red. Dry medium fruit with good structure, some austerity and interesting nuances that are subtle for southern Italy. In other words, typical Aglianico characteristics. Unfortunately , it does not have the interesting volcanic terroir component found in Aglianicos from Basiligata. Instead, it has more of the typical rustic terroir found in many parts of southern Italy. Since the fruit is a little short, I would suggest drinking it now and in the next year. Just decant an hour before drinking to let the nuances come out more. (13.5)