2002 Elena Fucci Aglianico del Vulture Titolo

The biggest surprise of my 2000-2012 vertical tasting is the 2002 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo. This wine boldly defies the difficulty of the vintage with an ensemble of aromas that show amazing depth and vitality. The character of the wine is definitely a bit sharper and more nervous compared to Elena Fucci's other wines. Aromas include dried balsam herb, Indian spice, resin, tar and Christmas spice. The fruit component of cassis and dried berry is more subdued compared to the warmer (and less humid) 2001 vintage. Although the fruit is beginning to fade, the wine continues to show verve and life at this stage in its evolution. The acidity and firmness of the tannic structure should keep it intact for more years to come, but I will nonetheless assign a shorter drinking window to the 2002 vintage. No matter how you cut it, this is an impressive wine that delivers the very best from a vintage that brought many, more experienced winemakers to their knees.