The 2012 Decugnano Il Rosso is a hearty blend of Montepulciano, Syrah and Sangiovese. It opens to a darkly saturated hue and bold consistency. The bouquet shows thick layers of jammy fruit, blackberry preserves, spice and moist chewing tobacco. The wine is exceedingly soft and finely textured with velvety, tactile sensibilities. It's hard to identify one single grape in the blend but the tannic softness of Syrah and Montepulciano is apparent.

One of my surprise discoveries from Umbria this year, the 2009 Decugnano Il Rosso (40-40-20 Montepulciano, Syrah and Sangiovese) is a stunning wine at a reasonable price. This limited production wine is a definite crowd pleaser with round spice, baking tones, powdered chocolate, ripe cherry and milled black pepper. It shows elegance, power and firm tannins at the back. Drink: 2014-2021. Importer: Epic Wines, www.epic-wines.com