The Valentini 2017 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a wine of character and depth, although the aromas do take a little while to get going. The wine opens to a medium dark raspberry color, and there are pretty tones of white cherry, raspberry and peach simmering just under the surface. Give your glass a few vigorous swirls to open the bouquet. As it takes on more air, the wine begins to show subtle tones of cinnamon, white licorice, crushed stone and saffron. That complexity emerges with time. Indeed, the wine reveals a very developed and elegant savory side that magically defies the heat of the 2017 vintage. A mid-weight mouthfeel, plus naturally robust and succulent fiber that comes easily with the Montepulciano grape, would pair next to whole fish cooked in a crust of salt, with lemon, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.

This terrific wine shows so much energy and electricity from the first sip forward. Forest berry and wild rose are followed by tangy herbs and some very inviting white licorice. The color of the Valentini 2016 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is slightly lighter and more delicate compared to the 2017, and this wine delivers interesting camphor ash and savory white pepper. It not easy to contextualize or even describe the bouquet, given its immense intensity and brilliantly unique profile. Don't pair this one-of-a-kind Rosato with anything except some artisanal crackers and mild goat cheese, and just breathe in its stunning bouquet.

The 2012 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo shows a much sharper and more linear bouquet compared to the 2011 vintage. That sense of clarity starts with the wine's appearance that is brilliant and crystalline. Dried fruit and dried rose aromas emerge gently from the glass. They are interwoven with mineral tones of flint and brimstone with subtle dustings ash, licorice and menthol herb. Pretty notes of cranberry and cassis also appear. This wine drinks like a structured red wine thanks to its important heft and consistency.

Mouthwatering, with sweet notes of dried strawberry and grilled plum playing off the roasted almond, sea salt, herb and wood smoke flavors. Rich and expressive, this shows fine balance and cut, delivering a long, creamy finish. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Select to Add

The 2011 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is not an easy wine to figure out. Valentini's wines require ample bottle aging so this rosé should be on track to drink now and in the near future. The wine displays a slightly cloudy pink color with copper and raspberry highlights. I'm not a huge fan of the bouquet. This vintage offers more evident candied fruit with lemon drops and dried raspberry treats upfront. But give it time and those tones lift to reveal crushed mineral, light touched of spice and blanched almond. If the nose is a bit awkward, the mouthfeel is spot on. This is a full bodied rosé with an etched, structured texture.