The 2004 Ampeleia is made in a fairly understated, feminine style relative to most other wines in Maremma. It reveals notes of raspberries, flowers, spices and sweet toasted oak with gorgeous inner perfume. The wine shows outstanding length, well-integrated tannins and lovely balance. In short, everything is here for this wine to develop beautifully in bottle. Amepeleia is 50% Cabernet Franc, 20% Sangiovese and 30% assorted indigenous grapes. The wine spent 16 months in French oak barrels, of which 40% were new. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Ampeleia is a new Maremma estate of Elisabetta Foradori, best known for the superb wines she produces at her estate in Trentino. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799