2011 Bocca di Lupo

Deep crimson with cherry rim. Oak is more evident on the nose here in sweet spice. But it has a strong balsamic character. Chewy and powerful and spiced on the palate. Mouth-fllling and spreading on the palate, even though there are such firm tannins. Some dark chocolate. Warmer vintage. Fruit is more in the sweet black plum and spicy dark fruit spectrum than in the 2010. Dense, compact but definitely a warm wine. With time, opens up to more spice and perfume but also more oak sweetness. Bags of chocolate. (JH)