The 2012 Aglianico del Vulture Carato Venusio is a smokey and savory wine that exudes dark berry flavors with spice, tobacco and leather at the rear. The wine is complete and shows good overall balance, especially in terms of how it contrasts its fruity side against those dusty volcanic nuances. It should age forward over the next ten years. It ages in French barrique for 18 months.