Black fruit, ash, cola, cherry, mesquite and spice open the nose of the soft, sweet and opulent Ripasso. This wine shows harmony, richness and elegance and would pair with hickory smoked ham. —M.L. ——M.L.(10/1/2009)—— 91

Here’s a broad wine with a horizontal aromatic delivery and intense aromas of exotic spice, cola, mature cherry fruit and smoked bacon fat. This is a big, expressive Ripasso with chewy fruit flavors, bright acidity and sour cherry notes on the close. —M.L. ——M.L.(10/1/2009)—— 90