Alziati Bonarda Gaggiarone Riserva

Full of character

Decanted two hours before drinking. Splendid in every sense. Big, but not in and overblown, jammy manner; the fruit and the substantial tannins (even after 14 years) are in excellent balance. The first thing that hits you, particularly from the decanter, is an unexpected aroma of smoked almonds, followed by herbal notes, undergrowth and black and blue fruit (plums, blackberry, blueberry, even cranberry). Delicious, saliva-inducingh acidity. On the plate, it is powerful but never overwhelming. Balance is the word, even if there is some rusticity. The aftertaste —of blackberries and smoke— is very, very long. A great discovery, and it will live for many years.