Paternoster Synthesi Aglianico del Vulture 2018

The 2018 Aglianico del Vulture Synthesi is dark and brooding in the glass, mixing black currants with flowery underbrush, ash and nuances of blood orange. It washes across the palate, pure and lifted in style, with nervous acidity that further accelerates the expression, as mentholated herbal tones give way to tart wild blueberries. The 2018 tapers off with tension while taking on more of a floral profile, and it leaves the palate pleasantly refreshed. While I don’t find the tannic heft and power typically associated with Aglianico here, this vintage of Synthesi will make for an excellent option for near-term drinking. Drinking window: 2023-2028. Score – 90. (Eric Guido, vinous.com, Aug. 2022)