Unfortunately there is no escaping the vintage’s modest qualities in the 2002 Tassinaia. This blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot presents a deep color, along with herb, pepper, tobacco and earth notes. Medium in body, its hard unpolished tannins give a rough around the edges impression of rusticity. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014. Consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini oversees the winemaking at Castello del Terriccio, which is located in the province of Pisa, in the northern part of Maremma. “Vintage 2003 must be considered entirely on its own, it really bears no resemblance to any other year,” says Ferrini. “It was extremely difficult to find balance in the vineyard. The wines continue to have a completely unpredictable evolution in the bottle. You taste a wine today, then taste it again in a few months’ time and you are likely to come away with two distinctly different impressions. Certainly the more representative vintages for Tuscany are 1999, 2001, 2004, and more recently 2006.” Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300

This is a 40-30-30% blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that is rich in floral and herbal notes. Rosemary, sage, violets, figs, plum and licorice aromas are harmonious and well-integrated thanks to 14 months of oak aging. Allow the wine a few minutes to open in the glass.——M.L.(11/15/2006)—— 91