2009 Montepeloso A Quo

Proprietor Fabio Chiareletto has fashioned another gorgeous entry-level red in his 2009 A Quo, a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Marselan and 10% Alicante Bouschet. Juicy, super-ripe red cherries, crushed rocks, rose petals and licorice waft from the open, inviting bouquet. On the palate, the overriding impression is one of silky finesse in the expressive, racy red fruit. Subtle hints of French oak linger in the background. The 2009 A Quo has only been bottled recently and could use another few months to settle down, but the purity of the fruit is already striking. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484