First Drop is apparently one of only two producers growing Montepulciano in South Australia. These vines were planted in 2001 and are already giving some very promising results. The 2008 Minchia Montepulciano has a very deep garnet-purple color and good intensity of black plum, warm blackberry and blueberry aromas with and earthy undercurrent of loam and black truffles plus faint whiff of prunes and balsamic. Full-bodied and very concentrated in the mouth, it’s not shy on the structure with medium-firm fine grained tannins and very crisp acid. The finish is long and savory. Drinking now, it should remain delicious to 2015+. Importer: Ronnie Sanders, Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; www.vsimports.com