2004 De Conciliis Naima

[Oskaar]

2004 De Conciliis Naima - $39.99

Oskaarz Notes:
This wine is a 100% varietal Aglianico from Bruno De Conciliis. It is grown on a southern exposure in the calceyous and clay soils of the Cilento zone of Campania. This is the flagship wine (named after the John Coltrane song; the winemaker plays jazz in his cellars to keep his wines happy) This varietal is limited in distribution outside of Campania, just one more reason to take a holiday in Italy!

Appearance:
This is a clear, dark ruby red wine that progresses to a purple-charcoal in the center of the glass. This big brawny red delivers some real heft in the glass and sports a 15% ABV which produces some very pronounced legs. It moves well in the glass and gives the impression of richness and a glyceric character.

Aroma and Flavor:
This is a hugely rich deeply complex red wine sporting berry and smoke, with cocoa, cherry, freshly tanned leather and rich roasted coffee that entice the nose. Blacky cherry, cassis, vanilla, oak, thyme and ripe black fruit tempt the senses in the bouquet. The Aglianico grape in this wine is huge, powerful, and deep with dark fruit with notes of spice, herb and wood that synergize on the palate. Big acid and tannin balance into a roundness that plays well on the fore and in the background is seductive and warm. This wine glides through the mouth, is well balanced, wonderfully integrated and persistent with a long, spicy finish full of oxidized cranberry, dark sweet cherry, cassis, cola, caramel, vanilla, woody sugars, coffee, earthy mineral, smoke and fine grain tannin on the long lingering finish.

Overall Impression:
When people talk about a wine’s personality you'll come to know what they mean when drinking this bottle paired with grilled meat dishes. Rabbit, venison and elk will all match wonderfully with this bottle. It will continue to improve over the next several years. If you can get your hands on this wine don't waste an opportunity. This is what winemakers the world over chase all their lives (including me) and seldom if ever capture.

Cheers,

Oskaar