This dry red exhibits a deep plum/ruby color as well as a gorgeous bouquet of cherry liqueur intermixed with smoke, underbrush, fudge, and spice. Super-rich, full-bodied, heady, and seductive, this knock-out effort came in under 14% alcohol. The innovative 1998 Passo includes Corvina and Rondinela grapes that have been dried for one month, a la Recioto, then blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The latter two grapes are given malolactic in French oak before being blended with the Corvina and Rondinela. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
Importers: Vinity Wine Co., (Dino Capriotti) Emeryville, CA; tel. (510) 601-6010; and Steven Berardi, Elizabeth Imports, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 394-0691