The 2005 Roero Riserva Trinita is a gorgeous wine redolent of perfumed raspberries, cherries, flowers and sweet spices. Today the tannins are somewhat unresolved, but with some patience the wine should turn in to a gem. The integrity and purity of fruit – not to mention the wine’s balance – are all first-class. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. This is an exceptional set of releases from Malvira, one of the leading producers in the Roero district. The estate excels with its Arneis and Roero bottlings, all of which are well worth discovering.Importers: Beverly Malen Imports Inc., Chicago, IL; tel.(773) 227-9463; Domace Vino, Shoreview, MN; tel. (612) 501-5799

I am very grateful that Malvirà decided to send me this back vintage, made 15 years ago, because understanding the aging trajectory of these samples is not easy. The 2005 Roero Riserva Trinità—preciously sent to me with plastic wrap to protect its label—shows us the potential of aged Roero. I am impressed. The wine is not totally linear, and in fact, it offers some disjointed tones along the way; but there is a lot of personality with dried blackberry, aniseed, cola, licorice, dried herb and almond. I also get rusty nail and ferrous earth. The tannins are gritty and textured. Tasting this wine was indeed a very special experience.