2016 Ampeleia
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Ampeleia is an organic expression of Cabernet Franc made with 10% whole-cluster fruit and fermented in a combination of large oak casks and cement. Fruit is drawn from a high-altitude site with calcareous clay soils, representing the best of Roccatederighi (the town where this winery is located). This vintage reveals sharpness and focus with cherry, wild berry and cassis. At the back, it offers distinctive notes of licorice, tar and crushed stone. The aromas fall together with exceptional precision. This is a production of 20,000 bottles.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A beautiful, pure red with blue fruit and minerality. Notes of slate and sage, too. Medium to full body. Firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
The 2016 Ampeleia has aged well. Naturally, at nearly ten years of age, the 2016 shows quite a bit of tertiary nuance. That said, it is a wine that will likely fade slowly as opposed to falling off a cliff. Dried dark cherry fruit, leather, incense, tobacco, dried herbs and coffee are all typical of a wine that is plateauing. I would prefer to drink this over the next year or two while some fruit remains.