Deep ruby. Menthol, dark berries, ripe red cherry and oaky vanillin aromas and flavors are complicated by hints of coffee and black pepper. Multilayered and very dense, but strikes me as less perfumed and less graceful than the 2011 Taurasi. Finishes very smooth, long, clean and fresh. No shortage of power here, but manages the neat trick of never going over the top.

Beautiful, bright fruit with blueberry and hot-stone character. Medium body, integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Very refined, fresh and subtle. Drink or hold.

Showing good balance, the 2010 Taurasi Riserva Vigna Cinque Querce is a powerful, full-bodied wine. The bouquet deals out intense aromas of dried fruit, cinnamon, clove and campfire ash. The wine closes with 15% alcohol, and you definitely feel that power. Like the other important red wines from Salvatore Molettieri, this wine ferments in stainless steel. Only this Riserva ages for a long 60 months in both barrique and large oak casks. Only 2,916 bottles were made.