89 2009 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 10/10/10 ($20)
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Capuccio 13.5% alc
Color: Medium burgundy with a touch of light brown leaf. (3.0) Bouquet: Raspberry and blueberry with some dried basil, tea and subtle autumn leaves. (2.5) Body: Excellent acidity supporting very good fruit on a middleweight frame. Has an easy-drinking quality, yet coats somewhat. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but shows more intensity, particularly in the basil and leaf nuances, combined with an assortment of stewed vegetables that is compelling. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor with tea and dried basil lingering. (3.0)
Overall: Started out subdued, but got better and better as it breathed and warmed. A subtle, but very interesting wine that reminds me of a complex red Burgundy stylistically, but overall is unique onto itself. Give it 2 hrs in a decanter for now drinking. At its best in 2-4 years? Great food wine that cuts through food in spite of its light middleweight body. (14.5)
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