The 2007 Taurasi caresses the palate with freshly cut roses, spices, red berries, mint and licorice. Bright aromas and flavors dazzle the palate while the wilder, more varietal side of Aglianico is less apparent. This is an especially silky, fragant Taurasi but it all works quite nicely. The 2007 isn’t the most varietal Taurasi readers will come across, but it more than makes up for that with a level of pure immediacy and sheer appeal that guarantees it will drink nicely right out of the gate. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022. Villa Matilde excels with a wide range of wines. The house style favors textural richness and depth. At times, varietal expression can take a bit of a back seat, but the wines more than compensate for that with their extraordinary personalitites. In particular, I found a number of the reds to be simply dazzling this year. Many of these wines are also great values.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2006 Taurasi is a huge, textured wine layered with dark fruit, smoke, tar and leather. It marries awesome power with elegance in a sumptuous, modern style that is undeniably appealing. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. This is a very strong set of wines from Villa Matilde, with numerous choices that deliver stunning quality and value.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The estate’s 2005 Taurasi is a big, powerful offering loaded with wild cherries, sage, rosemary, licorice and leather. This is a deceptively mid-weight Taurasi, yet plenty of structure and muscle lie beneath. Today the tannins are a bit imposing, but the wine should come together nicely in a few years’ time. Flowers and red berries add freshness on the silky finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. Villa Matilde is an excellent source for wines that ooze with character.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900