The 2008 Conero Riserva Sassi Neri opens to a dark and saturated appearance and rich intensity. That dark color is characteristic of the Montepulciano grape. Aromas of dried cherry, prune and exotic spice also come naturally to this hearty grape from Central Italy. The tannins are tame and the wine's thick consistency is followed by more dark fruit abundance.

The 2005 Rosso Conero Riserva Sassi Neri is Montepulciano aged in cask. Slight notes of over ripeness pervade the wine’s jammy blueberries, earthiness, minerals and game. Despite some elements of rusticity, this is a very pleasing wine from Le Terrazze, particularly at this level. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. Proprietor Antonio Terni bottled just a few of his wines in the tricky 2005 vintage. Unfortunately there is no Planet Waves of Visions of J, but the wines Terni did make are beautiful.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

2004 Rosso Conero Riserva Sassi Neri (100% Montepulciano) reveals awesome depth and delineation in its very pure expression of black cherries and sweet toasted oak, with outstanding persistence on the palate and refined, silky tannins. Ideally it needs another year or two for the French oak to integrate. I actually preferred the Sassi Neri to the estate's more expensive Montepulciano, Visions of J. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. This small property located in the Marche has been owned by the Terni family since the late 1800s. Antonio Terni is a long-time fan of Bob Dylan, whose music has been the inspiration of many of the wines. Consulting oenologist Attilio Pagli oversees the winemaking. 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

The 2000 Sassi Neri is 100% Montepulciano aged 12 months in barriques. Densely colored, with notes of blueberries, black fruits, earth, licorice, and vanilla, it possesses excellent texture, lush, ripe, fruit flavors, and a moderately long, medium-bodied finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. 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