The 2000 Vino Nobile is a dark and solid ruby/garnet, and the plum, tar, and chocolate of the aromas have weight and impact behind them. A long and firm palate with good power and persistence, light tannins which add density and texture, and ripe fruit on the finish fill out the picture. Already drinking well, it will easily last until 2010. Ettore Falvo took up the cause of Vino Nobile in the late 1970’s and, together with Paola De Ferrari of Boscarelli, did yeoman’s work in defending the cause. A sizeable operation with vineyards both in Montepulciano and neighboring Cortona, Avignonesi (the name comes from Falvo’s former wife, Adriana Avignonesi) the label, for a certain period of time, demonstrated to the world’s markets that the zone continued to exist. There has been some inconsistency from vintage to vintage and from wine to wine in the 1990’s, but this is a strong series. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405