Vecchie Vigne Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Medium ruby with an evolving edge; cigar box on the nose along with red and black fruits; palate still very intense with red and black fruit, some balsamico and a grippy, somewhat astringent finish. Drink up? At Vini Emidio Pepe.

Medium ruby; intense, still mostly primary nose with tart red fruit, spice and sottobosco; palate reveals ripe and sour red fruits, dusty tannins, and an intense, long finish. Hold. At Vini Emidio Pepe.

Garnet with tawny rim; nose is aged with mineral and sottobosco along with notes of dried tobacco; the palate has still chewy tannin, red berry fruit and citrus with a savory balsamic note, and finishes quite complete. Maybe not quite as good as the 2001 but shining tonight. At least Vini Emidio Pepe.

Deep garnet; open nose of red berries, leather and later an appealing green vegetable note; palate is ripe and still fruity with fine tannins, delicious and surprisingly young. This has loads more to give. At Vini Emidio Pepe.