2001 Le Poggere

Christina Vaselli’s debut vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot wine was exceptionally positive, but the 2001 Le Poggere is even better. A menacing ruby with purple and black highlights, its explosive, expansive bouquet of black currants, graphite, chocolate, and white pepper is matched by an equally impressive palate, warm, rich, deep, and enveloping, a superior density and concentration balanced by a sumptuous roundness. With a bit of Cabernet Franc in the blend, this wine might be even better, but nit-picking in the context of a wine like this doesn’t make much sense. Drink: 2005-2020. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620