Dark ruby in color. Blackberry, mint and mineral aromas follow through to a full body, with superpolished tannins and a long, long finish. This is structured and very beautiful. Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2013.

The 2005 Pietradonice, also from vines in Sant-Antimo, reveals an inky color along with open, warm aromatics from the toasted oak. It is silky-textured and opulent on the palate, with layers of blackberries, blueberries, cassis, spices, minerals and sweet toasted oak that flow as the wine opens in the glass. The tannins are well-integrated and the wine offers outstanding balance. In 2005 the Pietradonice is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon rather than the typical 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese blend. The wine was aged in 300-liter barrels of which approximately half were new. Pietradonice remains one of the most promising wines of its type, especially given that the vines were only planted between 1993 and 1996. If the vines can get to the point where they express more varietal character this could very well turn out to be an exceptional wine in future vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017.