Mastroberardino, Villa Misteri Rosso, Pompeiano IGT

Deep opaque ruby with very slightly bricking edges. The nose is very savory, leading with red cherry but with beautiful bouquet. Leather, juniper, rosemary, tobacco, and most.importantly that unmistakeably Vesuvius smoky spice. Perfectly balanced in the mouth - still quite a lot of vibrant red cherry fruit leading the way but leather, tobacco, tar, and smoky earth, whatever that means. The finish is long with some grippy leathery tannins, but so silky smooth, I would guess owing to it's age. …

A blend of Piedirosso (90%) and Sciascinoso (10%) from four different vineyards in Pompeii (Casa del Triclinio Estivo, Casa della Nave Europa, Foro Boario, Osteria del Gladiatore) totaling to only one hectare. Aged for 12 months in French oak barriques and then another 5 years in bottles before release. 13% alcohol. Tasted in a Villa dei Misteri 2007-2012 vertical. Very deep, dense and fully opaque blackish-red color with a slightly evolved pomegranate hue. Big, concentrated and subtly sweet-toned nose with …

Dinner with Jesús Barquín and friends (Sosa Borella, Manhattan, NY) : Deep ruby color. Herbal, menthol character on the nose with pencil lead and dry flowers. Very complex and interesting. Medium bodied on the palate, but ends flat with some bitter char character.