The 2009 Castel del Monte Il Falcone Riserva does a great job of highlighting the Nero di Troia element of this blend. The wine is composed of 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano, but with this balanced vintage we get a better view of this special native grape of Puglia. The bouquet boasts a wild side with bramble, forest berry and pressed violets. Other aromatic components include toasted nut, licorice and tar. The tannins are softly polished and help to give the wine a silky texture. This may be the best vintage of Il Falcone Riserva that I have come across.

Herb and ashy smoke notes underscore this creamy red, which offers expressive flavors of plump cherry, violet, rich leather and sanguine beef. Well-knit and juicy, featuring light tannins and lots of ground spice accents on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,300 cases made, 750 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Castel del Monte Select to Add