The 2004 Passo adds Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to the traditional Veronese varietals. It may not be the most typical wine I tasted, but I loved it for its generous blackberry liqueur, herbs, earthiness and sweet toasted oak flavors. Made in an opulent, jammy style, this gorgeously crafted, vibrant wine should be cellared for a year to allow the oak to integrate after which it should offer rewarding drinking for another seven to eight years. This sexy blend of 60% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot spent 12 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.
Importer: Omniwines Distributing Co. Llc., Linden Hill, NY; tel. (718) 353-8700