The 2012 Aulente is a beautifully feminine wine with violets and lavender sprig that morph into dark fruit and powdered chocolate. The bouquet is laced with all sort of small details like licorice, wet earth and curry leaf. Fresh acidity marks the close of this Sangiovese-based wine. The value here is exceptional. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. San Patrignano is a truly inspiring story. It is a community center for recovering drug addicts located on a sprawling property with vineyards, horses and farm stables for making cheese and sausage. There is even an excellent on-site restaurant where everything served is sourced or produced on site. All the labor at San Patrignano – from making wines to the restaurant staffing – is performed by the recovering addicts as part of their reintegration learning. The wines are absolutely stunning and have shown an impressive stylistic evolution over the years. When I first tasted San Patrignano a decade ago, they mirrored the outgoing personality of consulting enologist Riccardo Cotarella. Today, however, they have embraced an ethereal and exceedingly understated persona. Various American importers including: Vinvino Wine Co.; www.vinvinowineco.com; Masciarelli Wine; www.masciarelliwine.com