This is a very well structured Italian wine from the Puglia region (the heel of the Italian boot)that is a mix of 70% Nero di Troia, 30% Montepulciano. The nose consists of cherries and currants with tobacco and pepper aromas as well. The spicy fruit flavors combined with oakiness and licorice along with some acidity and a nice long finish. Open this early or decant. The label (a picture of a falcon) is homage to Emperor Fredrick II of Swabia who liked to hunt with his falcon on the very grounds where some of the grapes are picked. Wine Advocate gave this wine a 92 point rating and I would absolutely agree. Retails for about $40.
Update:
Last night I had the 2004 Riserva and it has a bold structure with some complex flavors of dark berries and pepper. It was a little harsh on the palate along with some chewy tannins and heavy acidity. I was hoping that it would mellow out a little better over time but it did not. This vintage needs some more time in the bottle. It retails for about $35. I would stick to the 2003 Riserva.
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