Dark depths of crushed plum, brown spice, tobacco, cigar ash and hints of mocha can all be found as the 2016 Aglianico del Vulture Caselle grumbles up from the glass. It washes across the palate with unexpected ease, silky and spry, yet leaves a potent staining of tart red and black berries, complicated by a twang of sour citrus and salty mineral tones. The 2016 closes long, tense and lightly tannic, mixing inner rose with tangerine through the spicy finale. There’s a slightly rustic feel to the Caselle, yet one that I find quite attractive.

Ian D'Agata - Vinous Media (92)