Montevetrano Colli di Salerno Rosso 2017

In the 2017 Montevetrano (Colli di Salerno)I find depths of crushed blue and blackberries, laced with minerals, sweet exotic spices, and cocoa powder, as dark, alluring floral tones pull me closer to the glass, offset by a hint of fresh mint leaf. It floods the palate with silky textures and cool-toned black fruits, as brisk acids carry the 2017 Montevetrano effortlessly across the senses, leaving a coating of savory spice, minerals, and fine tannin. The finish is long and structured, clenching the palate with youthful grip, as hints of black fruits fade to reveal echoes of violet florals. There's so much density on the palate, yet it is somehow lifted, seamless, and precise, with all the raw ingredients needed to evolve in the cellar over the next ten to twenty years. Gorgeous.

Like catching up with an old friend, we remember visiting this estate back in the early 2000’s and being blown away by the quality and beauty of the vineyards and property. Beautiful floral notes in the nose lead to a beautifully layered array of multidimensional dark fruit flavors which intensify with each sip. There is no shortage of richness or intensity in the Southern Italian beauty which will drink well into 2025 or beyond.

Silvia Imparato is a leading lady of Campania wine. I visited her a few years back and have such a pleasant memory of her home, with beams of sunlight hitting the bright red tomatoes, lemons and basil plants sitting on the handmade ceramic tiles of her rustic kitchen countertop. Her elegant Montevetrano 2017 Montevetrano is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Aglianico and Merlot. From a hot and dry vintage, this expression shows rich concentration with black fruit, blackberry and cherry confit. Those dark fruit tones are nicely supplemented by spice and lightly cured tobacco. Some 20,000 bottles were made.

A finely detailed red, fresh and focused, featuring a pure beam of ripe black currant fruit, layered with subtle accents of wild herb, star anise, graphite and iron. Medium- to full-bodied and elegant, with creamy tannins firming the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Aglianico and Merlot. Drink now through 2030. 1,300 cases made, 397 cases imported.