~90PTS WINE SPECTATOR 2003 A sturdy, chewy Aglianico, with bright berry fruit, mingled with floral, mineral and sweet tobacco notes. Medium- to full-bodied, with an intense bead of fruit, firm young tannins and a long, ultraclean mineral finish. Slightly less opulent than years past but excellent.

Review

~90PTS WINE SPECTATOR 2003 A sturdy, chewy Aglianico, with bright berry fruit, mingled with floral, mineral and sweet tobacco notes. Medium- to full-bodied, with an intense bead of fruit, firm young tannins and a long, ultraclean mineral finish. Slightly less opulent than years past but excellent.

Rating

92PTS ROBERT PARKER The 2003 is a fascinating Serpico. The wine boasts impressive concentration in its dark, rich fruit. This is an incredibly primary Serpico, with little in the way of tertiary development. Ideally, it is best left alone for another few years, but readers fortunate enough to own this are in for a thrilling ride once the wine opens up a bit. Today it remains tightly coiled but full of potential. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

Wine maker notes

Manual harvesting starts in mid-October and lasts until early November. After pressing, a long maceration on the skins takes place. Once malolactic fermentation is completed, the wine is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels prior to release.

Food pairing

Well-matched with roasted meat and game