The 2006 Soave Classico La Rocca is 100% Garganega picked late and aged in French oak. This richly-textured, utterly engaging Soave flows from the glass in grand style as ripe, succulent peaches, mint, minerals and sweet toasted oak come together in a wine of unusual elegance and sheer pedigree. The wine shows superb depth on the palate, with lingering notes of sweetness on the finish. This classy Soave will benefit from another year or so in bottle, and although this bottling has proven to age, I would nevertheless prefer to enjoy it relatively young. This is a gem from Pieropan. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. This is another strong showing from Pieropan, one of the reference-point producer for the wines of Soave. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900