The 2004 Tassinaia is a blend of 34% Sangiovese, 33% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 14 months in Allier oak barrels. It is a sweet, richly textured wine redolent of tobacco, smoke, new leather, underbrush, herbs, menthol and dark cherries. The Sangiovese gives this wine a slightly linear personality upfront, but then it blossoms on the mid-palate as the Merlot and Cabernet add richness and weight to the wine. There is a lovely sense of inner perfume that carries through all the way to the finish. Another few years of bottle age should help the tannins settle into the wine’s structured frame. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini has always spoken of Terriccio’s 2004s with great enthusiasm, so it is great to finally taste the wines in bottle. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a compelling and exciting expression of territory. The Tassinaia hill produces a balanced wine with black fruit and some herbal notes backed by spice, toast and a long satisfying finish.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 92