Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture “Daginestra” Superiore DOCG 2017

VM 93+ pts  

The 2017 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Daginestra keeps me at the edge of the glass with a mix of black tea leaves, savory foreign spice, dusty black currants and crushed ashen stone forming its beguiling bouquet. This is surprisingly vibrant and lifted on the palate, with cooling mineral and herbal tones carried across a core of bright acidity, as tart wild berry fruits slowly saturate toward the close. It finishes grippy yet long and almost crunchy in feel, as balsamic nuances and hints of Baker’s chocolate slowly taper off. The 2017 will require further cellaring to find its inner harmony, but it will be worth waiting for.