Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture “Damaschito” 2016

You know it’s Aglianico del Vulture the moment you tilt the glass, as the 2016 Aglianico del Vulture Damaschito opens with crushed ashen stone, grilled sage, tobacco, camphor and black currants. Its silky textures soothe, as a savory mix of saline-minerals, ripe plum and exotic spices wash across the palate with ease. In their wake, a saturation of fine tannins remains, along with a coating of primary fruit and hints of salted licorice. You could almost convince yourself that the 2016 is ready to drink today, but you’d be missing the glorious result that awaits after a few more years of cellaring. This is a beautiful expression of Maschito and Vulture itself.