There is a lot of tar and asphalt here that gives the 2017 Aglianico del Vulture Terre di Orazio a smoky and volcanic character. Highlights include dusty soil notes scattered around sensations of dried berry fruit. Otherwise, the vintage heat has flattened out much of the fruit. The overall effect is dry and very savory. I'd pair it with some Southern sausage and some grilled red peppers.

A balanced red, featuring creamy tannins layered with flavors of crushed mulberry and strawberry fruit, espresso, red licorice and medicinal herb. Tarry finish. Drink now through 2019. 10,000 cases made, 140 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Basilicata / Aglianico del Vulture Select to Add

The entry-level 2012 Aglianico del Vulture Terre di Orazio is a hot and sticky value wine that is loaded tight with dark fruit nuances, spice, leather, tobacco and crushed mineral. The heat of the vintage is locked within and so is the heat reflected off these black volcanic soils. Soft layers of dark fruit peel off slowly. At its core, the wine is dense and richly extracted. Give it a few more months to reach better integration.

The 2011 Aglianico del Vulture Terre di Orazio definitely shows the heat of the vintage with warm notes of ripe fruit and cherry marmalade. Those jammy notes continue to the palate where this Aglianico shows less tannin bite, more extraction and a slightly softer style. But all that super ripe intensity is lost in the mouth where the wine is shorter and less impactful.