Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture “Grifalco” 2016

Bright ruby. Balsamic nuances complement black cherry and dark plum aromas and flavors, sexed up by hints of chocolate and coffee. Smooth, dense and juicy, offering a suave mouthfeel and a very long finish. Outstanding Aglianico del Vulture, featuring truly noteworthy, lingering floral and spicy perfume. This is meant to be the estate’s most classic Aglianico del Vulture, but in fact, I find it bears more than a passing resemblance to Elena Fucci’s Aglianico del Vulture Titolo. Made from a blend of grapes picked in different sites, but the vines average 30 years of age (those used to make the Gricos are instead 15 years old). . — Ian D’Agata,