Guado al Tasso 2003

(a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah) Medium-dark ruby. Inky aromas of raspberry and dark chocolate, complicated by truffle, black pepper and rosemary and lifted by a floral nuance. Opulent, dense and sweet, with rich, broad, liqueur-like red berry and spicecake flavors complicated by mocha and leather. Very smooth wine, with suave, ripe tannins and a rich, long finish. No 2002 was made, which might be a shame since in the past lesser vintages gave wonderful results here (witness the 1992). Score – 92. (Ian D’Agata, vinous.com, Sept. 2006)