2004 Castello di Argiano Solengo

The 2004 Solengo presents gorgeous aromatics followed by super-ripe dark fruit, crushed flowers, herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak that flow from its opulent, full-bodied frame, showing superb concentration supported by an attractive note of underlying minerality that provides balance as well as a sense of proportion. It offers outstanding length, a silky-textured personality and ripe, sweet tannins on the finish in a rare display that marries power with elegance. It will be tempting to drink this early, but a few years of cellaring will give the wine an opportunity to express the fullest range of its potential. In 2004 Solengo is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 25% Syrah that spent 17 months in new French oak barrels.

Readers will find much to admire in these two new releases from Argiano, located in the southern part of the Montalcino zone. The 2004 Solengo presents gorgeous aromatics followed by super-ripe dark fruit, crushed flowers, herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak that flow from its opulent, full-bodied frame. Showing superb concentration, the wine is supported by an attractive note of underlying minerality that provides balance as well as a sense of proportion. It offers outstanding length, a silky-textured personality and ripe, sweet tannins on the finish in a rare display that marries power with elegance. It will be tempting to drink this early, but a few years of cellaring will give the wine an opportunity to express the fullest range of its potential. In 2004 Solengo is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 25% Syrah that spent 17 months in new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Readers will find much to admire in these two new releases from Argiano, located in the southern part of the Montalcino zone. The 2004 Solengo presents gorgeous aromatics followed by super-ripe dark fruit, crushed flowers, herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak that flow from its opulent, full-bodied frame. Showing superb concentration, the wine is supported by an attractive note of underlying minerality that provides balance as well as a sense of proportion. It offers outstanding length, a silky-textured personality and ripe, sweet tannins on the finish in a rare display that marries power with elegance. It will be tempting to drink this early, but a few years of cellaring will give the wine an opportunity to express the fullest range of its potential. In 2004 Solengo is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 25% Syrah that spent 17 months in new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024. Jun 2007, www.robertparker.com