The 2008 Carmignano Riserva Piaggia bursts from the glass with an exotic melange of tar, espresso, black cherries, spices and licorice. The 2008 isn’t a huge Piaggia, at least not in relative terms, but rather it is a wine that impresses for its gorgeous inner perfume and striking overall balance. This is the first vintage to incorporate Cabernet Franc in the blend. I won’t be surprised if the 2008 improves with further bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Piaggia is another winery that has been on a tear of late. Softer, gentler extractions and longer aging in oak are some of the evolutions in the approach at Piaggia over the last few years. I can’t think of too many wines from Carmignano I would rather drink than these fabulous wines from the Vannucci family. Importer: Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300