The 2005 Pietradonice, also from vines in Sant-Antimo, reveals an inky color along with open, warm aromatics from the toasted oak. It is silky-textured and opulent on the palate, with layers of blackberries, blueberries, cassis, spices, minerals and sweet toasted oak that flow as the wine opens in the glass. The tannins are well-integrated and the wine offers outstanding balance. In 2005 the Pietradonice is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon rather than the typical 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese blend. The wine was aged in 300-liter barrels of which approximately half were new. Pietradonice remains one of the most promising wines of its type, especially given that the vines were only planted between 1993 and 1996. If the vines can get to the point where they express more varietal character this could very well turn out to be an exceptional wine in future vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. Properietor Giacomo Neri is excited about the 2003 vintage, which he believes has more potential than critics of the vintage have suggested, although he does think the wines are best suited to near- to mid-term consumption. Among recent vintages Neri cites 2004 and 2006 as those with the most potential. Still, at this level, it is truly the seriousness of the estate that prevails over vintage differences in determining the overall quality of the wines, as readers will be able to judge from these outstanding new releases. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405