Packaged with an elegant tin seal glued to the bottle, the 2008 Montefalco Sagrantino boasts a thick black color with ruby highlights at the rim that give the wine a very lively, but masculine personality. The aromas show serious stamina with Christmas spice, nutmeg, black fruit, maple syrup and black licorice. It’s a flamboyant and slightly exaggerated wine with jackhammer tannins on the finish. It certainly needs more time to soften. Drink: 2015-2022. Importer: Acid Inc. Selection, www.aiselections.com

The 2006 Montefalco Sagrantino is made in a forward style with plenty of dark fruit. This is a fairly accessible Sagrantino with lovely depth but not much in the way of varietal character. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Importer: A.I. Selections, Astoria, NY; tel. (718) 777-2243

Di Filippo’s 2005 Sagrantino di Montefalco is a big, burly offering loaded with dark fruit, leather, spices, and earthiness. The wine’s fruit and sheer density, while admirable, are unfortunately compromised by aromas and flavors that aren’t perfectly clean. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. Importer: An Acid Inc. Selection for Angels' Share Wines, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (917) 687 4848