Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture.

The vineyards belonging to this estate are superb; low-trained and planted on the volcanic soils of the slopes of Mount Vulture at altitudes of up to 800 metres above sea level. On arrival at the winery the grapes were destemmed and gently crushed then the must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at temperatures up to 30-32°C. Frequent, gentle pumping over took place during fermentation and maceration which lasted approximately 30 days. Judicious oak influence softened the naturally high tannins after which the wine remained in the tank until bottling

89 Points Wine Spectator 2016 Well-knit and fresh, with dusty tannins and ground spice layered with flavors of crushed mulberry, mocha, bergamot, and herbes de Provence. Silky in texture and appealing, this is lightly juicy through to the expressive finish. Drink now through 2021. 15,000 cases made. –AN

Score: 92 points. Value: Fantastic. Ralph Kyte-Powell. The Age Epicure. 2012 vintage: Bored with Aussie reds? Go to Italy’s south to have your senses challenged. This example has lush stewed plum and cherry aromas with hints of liquorice strap and spice. The smooth palate is juicy and complete with rich panforte flavours, good depth, and soft tannins. Ageing? Drink over two years.

Rated : 91 Points Tasted : Dec 12 Alcohol : 13.5% Drink : 2013 – 2020. Gary Walsh, The Winefront. What’s often the key thing with these sorts of Southern Italian wines, is that you not only get value but something quite different from what we make locally. Anyway, it’s the usual suspects again – violet, pepper, raw meat, some licorice, dark cherry in a medium-bodied frame. Peppery flavours, pretty dry and chewy, though has slight slippery/glossy feel. Spice and dried herbs come through on the marginally ashy finish. Interesting as ever.