2007 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva

Warmer vintage than 2010, which was more moderate. Bottle number 31,744.  A shade deeper and a little more developed in the glass than 2010. Beguiling, deep, concentrated nose with hints of tobacco leaf. Liquorice, ripe, dark fruit and a hint Moroccan leather and clearly from a warmer vintage compared with 2010. A vein of spice running through the supple fruit and with integrated, ripe acidity that perfectly balances the concentration. Finely grained tannins all the way through, with a little less concentration than the 2010 on the finish. (WS)

Here's a wine that confirms the hype that surrounds Emidio Pepe. The 2007 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a dark and penetrating red wine with an enormous sense of focus and tension. The fruit layers are bright and shapely with a wild and unruly side. The wine's intensity is also driven by elegant spice, tobacco, wet earth, resin and grilled herb. This is an organic wine with a very evident counterculture, non-intuitive approach that immediately grabs your interest and ultimately your heart. It offers a charming, embracive and encompassing style.

Nearly impenetrable inky ruby color. Deep, brooding aromas of black cherry, violet, tar, shoe polish and botanical herbs. Sweet/sour flavors of black cherry, blueberry juicy, minerals and ink are complicated by a dusting of botanical herbs. This multilayered knockout of a wine finishes very bright and long, with repeating floral lift. Very clean and precise, and devoid of any funky animal aromas or flavors, it’s one of the best red wines from Pepe in years and a testament to the potential greatness of the Montepulciano grape. (ID)