Perfumed, spiced aromatics lead to layers of sweet dark fruit that unfold with uncommon grace and elegance in the 2005 Rapace. This medium to full-bodied wine literally sparkles on the palate with vibrant black cherries, spices and toasted oak. Sweet notes of licorice, tar and underbrush linger on the long, fresh finish. It is a remarkably complex and nuanced wine in this less than stellar vintage and proof of Cortonesi’s commitment to quality. Rapace is a blend of 70% Sangiovese (from vineyards in Montalcino), 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in French oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2017. Proprietor Andrea Cortonesi fashions big, full-bodied wines from his vineyards in the southern part of the zone. This is a very strong set of releases from a producer who represents the finest of the artisan approach to making wines in Montalcino. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411