Packaged in a bulky glass bottle, the Nicolis 2019 Testal is 90% Corvina mixed with complementary varieties. The grapes are dried on the vines for three weeks before harvest. This opens to immediate freshness with background tones of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. It ages in tonneaux for 16 months. This is a 31,000-bottle release.

This is mostly Corvina (90%) with other indigenous complementary grapes in a supporting role. The Nicolis 2015 Testal offers the bold intensity and opulent black fruit flavors that are characteristic of this warm and sunny vintage. There are gradual hints of evolution here with tarry smoke and licorice, but at the end of the day, this wine offers pleasant balance and intensity, especially if you drink it within the next five years or so. The fruit is left to hang for an extra three weeks on the vine for a light appassimento before being pressed. The finished wine ages in tonneaux for 16 months, and 20,000 bottles were rolled out.

Black cherry, tobacco and grape stems comprise the nose, while the palate is mostly standard-fare cherry, plum and toast. The finish is kind of thick, with raisin flavors along with herbal notes. Soft tannins make for medium to full mouthfeel. ——W.E.(5/1/2003)—— 86