The 2004 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Villa Gemma has developed much better than I had expected, leading me to think that the bottle I tasted and reviewed last year was less than perfect. A sumptuous, dark Montepulciano, the wine reveals tons of elegance in its black cherries, minerals, spices and new leather. The tannins remain rather firm but also well-integrated suggesting that the wine will find an even better equilibrium with further bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024. The passing of Gianni Masciarelli in 2008 left a huge void in the world of Italian wine. To be honest, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Masciarelli’s wines but his contributions to the oenological landscape in Abruzzo are irrefutable. Most importantly of all, he aimed for, and often achieved, a level of quality that inspired other producers to follow suit. Importer: Masciarelli Wine Company, Weymouth, MA; tel. (781) 335-6620

Ripe, almost semi-dried black fruit and vanilla rises out of the glass. This is dark, full and packed with fruit, carried by sturdy tannins through to the long, soft mineral finish. Drink now through 2014. 5,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Select to Add