2000 Arte

(90% nebbiolo from Monforte, with 5% each cabernet sauvignon and barbera) Full, saturated red-ruby. Superripe and a bit reduced on the nose yet remarkably precise and complex: dark red berries, woodsmoke, licorice, oak spices and an intriguing vegetal nuance. Sweet, concentrated and penetrating, with lovely ripe acidity and a hint of menthol austerity keeping the flavors lively and firm. Quite backward for this wine. Finishes with firm but sweet tannins and excellent length. May ultimately merit an even higher score.