You can see the direction Giuseppe Lonardi wanted to take this 50-50 blend of air-dried Corvina grapes and Cabernet Franc: The goal was to make a bold, modern, super-Venetian wine. Instead, the fruit is a tad too ripe and jammy to be balanced and the wine tastes thick, chewy and slightly tannic on the close. ——M.L.(5/1/2011)—— 86

Lonardi's 2005 Privilegia Veronese (Corvina, Cabernet Franc) is an intense, medium to full-bodied offering loaded with ripe dark fruit, spices, sweet herbs and earthiness. The wine possesses notable length and a harmonious, engaging personality, with lingering notes of sweetness from the dried Corvina that linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. Importer: Small Vineyards, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 933-6767