The 2001 Castello di Terriccio is quite an unusual wine, a blend of grapes planted initially on an experimental basis such as Syrah, Mourvedre, and Petit Verdot. Packed, intense, and superbly long, the wine offers a nose and palate of plums, raisins, underbrush, and truffles, powerfully concentrated but velvet-textured flavors, and a richness and breadth which virtually line and upholster the taste buds. Judging the aging potential of wine like this, entirely original in blend and produced for the first time, is something of a hazard, but two decades would seem to be the minimum. Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300

You may pick up slightly musty notes but they happily add to the wine’s complexity. Espresso bean, blackberry, resin, toast and balsamic vinegar come to mind and the wine delivers power in the mouth boosted by nicely etched tannins. ——M.L.(4/1/2007)—— 91