The 2009 Salice Salentino Riserva Pezzo Morgana offers up scents of tobacco, dried flowers and licorice. The fruit is a bit dried out and some rough edges remain. Overall the Pezzo Morgana isn’t as convincing as the other wines. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014. Li Veli is one of the most exciting wineries to come on the scene in the last few years. The Falvo family has done a great job ratcheting up the quality following their sale of Avignonesi in Montepulciano. As has been the case since Li Veli was founded, many of the gems in this range are found at the more modest price points. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

Rich, jammy fruit, licorice and baking spices emerge as the 2008 Salice Salentino Pezzo Morgana flows from the glass. Ultimately the Pezzo Morgana comes across as excessively heavy and overdone. There is little of the simple pleasure I find in the estate’s entry-level offerings, rather this is a wine that seeks to impress through sheer heft. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

This southern Italian red delivers interesting dimension and personality in the form of spice, blackberry, mature plum, raspberry and tobacco. It’s succulent, thick and dense. A slightly sweet sensation is reinforced by the wine’s mature berry flavors. ——M.L.(12/1/2009)—— 88

A medium-bodied red with bright berry fruit and light oaky character. Firm on the palate, with medium tannins and a hint of chocolate on the finish. Needs a bit of time. Peppery. Best after 2004. 4,200 cases made, 850 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Salice Salentino Select to Add