From NJ Poker Night 3/14/04.

'00 Santa Maddalena Lagrein Riserva - 89 pts. This is an Italian grape variety grown in Alto Adige in the Northeast. Ususally Lagrien makes very earthy wines that are a bit lighter in color. This wine is Lagrien on steriods. Very dark and extracted. Huge wall of tannins, plums, dark chocolate. Very brooding. A nice pepper note in the finish. Very good stuff.

This was just a hair away from 90 pts for me. Might have spent too much time in the decanter. Didn't get to this wine until 3+ hours in a magnum decanter.

jb