2012 Contrade di Taurasi Aglianico Irpinia

Dark ruby-red. Pure aromas of red cherry and rose petal, plus a whiff of alcohol on the enticing, aromatic nose. Big, dense and juicy, but with lively acidity providing lift and nicely extending the bright, sweet red cherry and peppery raspberry flavors on the long, suave finish. This strikes me as having been made with extremely ripe grapes but it's neither cooked nor over the top. A knockout entry-level Aglianico. (ID)