It’s nice to see the estate’s top bottling, the 2004 Carmignano Riserva Piaggia, bounce back from the disappointing 2003. This full-bodied, weighty Carmignano flows from the glass in a stunning display of super-ripe fruit, blueberry jam, new leather, minerals, spices, smoke, tar and sweet toasted oak. It offers notable intensity and purity in its fruit yet it also possesses enough structure and balance to age beautifully to age 20, perhaps beyond. The Piaggia is 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot that spent two years in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024. This is a strong set of new releases from proprietor Mauro Vannucci and consulting oenologist Attilio Pagli. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

This is very rich and up front, with loads of ripe berry, red licorice and new wood character. Full and very velvety. Fruit forward and flamboyant. Best after 2008. 2,915 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Carmignano Select to Add