"The 2004 Montevetrano is a knock-out. Endless layers of richly textured dark fruit flows from the glass as this gorgeous wine gradually reveals the depth of its expression. Tar, smoke, menthol, eucalyptus and earthiness emerge with air, adding further complexity as the wine sits in the glass. Gorgeously long and pure - with a finish that lasts forever- this sumptuous wine is not to be missed. Montevetrano is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Aglianico. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024.

Proprietor Silvia Imparato originally set out to make wine as a hobby. Her family owned a small property in the hills in the province of Salerno, and in 1985 she grafted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Aglianico on to existing, old rootstocks. With the help of oenologist Riccardo Cotarella she fashioned a modern French-oak aged wine that would ultimately have a profound impact on the wine world by demonstrating the true potential of the wines of Southern Italy. Today, a number of important wines have emerged from the South but to the credit of Imparato and Cotarella, Montevetrano remains among the finest and most distinctive." - ANTONIO GALLONI FEB 08 ISSUE OF THE WINE ADVOCATE

A NICK'S PICK FOR IT'S SEEMLESSLY SMOOTH BALANCE, IT'S RICH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CHARACTERISTICS, THE ELEGANCE OF THE PERFECTION OF THIS WINE IS STUNNING! A MUST FOR EVERY TRUE ITALIAN WINE COLLECTOR!!! - NICK'S NOTES

"From our experience in tasting antique wines, the forecasts, and expert opinions on the various years, there is always talk of a long shelf life.

A strongly persistent wine, it benefits both from its coastal location and mild climate, in a vineyard protected by the Picentini Mountain peaks. With its distinguished style, this is a wine characterised by its sophistication, the complexity of the soil in which it is grown and the scent and colour of the land. Its colour is a deep, intense and concentrated ruby red. It has scents of woodland with hints of violet, blackberry and cherry. Spiced tones drawing on liquorice, myrtle, cinnamon or chocolate, mint and tobacco, depending on the year and the development in ripening; well balanced through a magnificent blend of tannins, acidity and wood, it has the promise of a young wine that ages well, transforming from such a sensual concentration into elegance." - Winery Notes