Made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 1993 and 1994 possess sensational fruit extraction, full body, first-growth-like complexity and stature, and an amazing degree of richness. Produced under the tutelage of Riccardo Cotarella, both wines were bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 1994 is sweeter and more expansive in the mouth, with superlative levels of fruit and richness. It is a gorgeously made, seamless wine with no hard edges. Given its extract and overall balance, it will drink beautifully young, but it will develop even more complexity over the next 10-15 years. There are 2000 cases of each of these wines made by Riccardo Cotarella from the La Palazzola estate in southern Umbria. They are exquisite wines by any standard of measurement.
Leonardo LoCascio, Winebow, Inc., 22 Hollywood Ave., Suite C, Hohokus, NJ 07423; telephone number (201) 445-0620; fax (201) 445-9869