The 2005 Aglianico del Vulture La Firma is made in a muscular, intense style. It possesses tons of concentrated jammy blueberries, smoke, scorched earth, tar and toasted oak with a slight note of gaminess that occasionally comes through. The tannins finish a little dry and this wine is hardly the last word in finesse, but it will offer much pleasure in a very up-front, in-your-face style. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
Cantina del Notaio is an excellent source for the Aglianicos of the Vulture district in Basilicata. The consulting oenologist is Professor Luigi Moio of the University of Naples, a man who is behind many of the region’s up and coming estates. Readers who purchase the estate’s wines better be sure they are fit....these are some of the heaviest bottles being used today.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411