Castellina (Azienda Agricola Fondazione Fojanini), La
Lombardy, Italy
Valtellina Superiore Sassella
Nebbiolo
2008
$23.99
13.0%
Scarlet to brick red inflected violet core, washed out red to orange rims, not dilute per se, yellow outermost edge. The nose takes awhile to unwind, tarry, spiced orange peels, black earth, pleasingly deep blackberry, black cherry scents, has the components to do so but in the end doesn't lift much. Full-bodied and softening, the tannin has released even if it remains dry on the whole. Candied if not syrupy raspberry, cherry, blueberry fruit, lingers well, anchors it on the palate. Leather and more of that tarry earth, potpourri, pulped lemons, stone. Packs a good punch, grows on you in a positive manner and a wine in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Should remain on this plateau for some time. (Composite Cork)
89 points