Honey, dried sage, rosemary and dried pears come alive as the 2010 Orvieto Classico Superiore Campo del Guardiano opens up in the glass. This is a decidedly rich, textured style of Orvieto that emphasizes richness and viscosity, but without excess heaviness. Although highly appealing today, I get the sense the 2010 has enough depth and character to develop nicely in bottle for at least a few more years. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.
Palazzone is one of my favorite wineries in Umbria. Proprietors Giovanni and Lodovico Dubini excel in crafting personality-driven Orvietos that have a little more textural depth than is the norm in this part of Umbria.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887