Badia a Passignano Riserva 1990 750 mL

2000) Powerful cherry and liquorice nose that harnesses such a tightly-wound seam of rich, black, concentrated fruit. There are subtle notes of tobacco and pencil-shavings, but pure fruit with a tart, racy edge is the dominant influence. On the palate very grippy. Fine tannins coat the palate. Medium bodied, there is lovely cherry and blackberry fruit and a leathery toughness here. The wine is chewy and structured, revealing glimpses of briary wood, citrus and leafy blackcurrant. The finish is once again very long and focused with great definition. When I drunk a previous bottle in 1998 I noted “cellar for 3 to 4 years”. Not only did I open this too soon, but I clearly under-estimated this profound wine that should easily cellar for another decade. Picked up at least one “wine of the night” vote.