The 2002 Sanpetrolo is an unusual dessert wine made in a style with deliberately high residual sugar. Hazelnuts, cinnamon, burnt sugar and caramel flow from this plush, expansive wine. The Sanpetrolo shows marvelous balance for such a big wine. The cold 2002 vintage was ideally suited for this style, as the wine has retained a surprising level of acidity that serves to counterbalance its decidedly opulent, full-throttle personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Proprietor Luca Sanjust and his team did a terrific job with these 2008s considering the challenging nature of the year. The summer was cool and damp, which resulted in medium-bodied wines with less of the sheer stuffing of years like 2006 and 2007 but exceptional overall balance. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NJ tel. (914) 769-3000