The 2008 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Le Tense is a gorgeous, mid-weight wine laced with sweet red cherries, mint, flowers and licorice. There is so much to admire, from the wine’s striking inner perfume and fabulous length to its fine overall balance. This is a great showing. Le Tense is 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) aged in a combination of French oak barrels and larger casks.Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. The exceptional 2008 Sfursat is the highlight among these new releases from Nino Negri and long-time oenologist Casimiro Maule. The 2008 vintage was marked by hail, which lowered yields severely. Regardless, the wines are very fine and very much deserving of a wider audience. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700