The 2008 Castel del Monte Il Falcone Riserva is not my favorite vintage of this historic wine from Puglia. The blend is 70/30 Nero di Troia and Montepulciano aged for 14 months in both barrique and large oak casks. This vintage brings out some of the green aromas you can get with these two indigenous grape varieties. Asian spice, teriyaki and cola is followed by chopped mint and dillweed. Fruit tones of dark cherry and plum also appear. The close is determined and powerful but the tannins are soft and yielding.

Black olive, plum sauce, dried cranberry and cocoa powder notes show a sappy quality in this medium-bodied red, with dusty tannins and a light tang of acidity lending balance through the wild herb–tinged finish. Nero di Troia and Montepulciano. Drink now through 2017. 13,000 cases made, 750 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Castel del Monte Select to Add