Red Wine. Langhe DOC, Piedmont, Italy. $40. 14% alcohol. 1500 cases produced.

This wine is virtually impossible to pigeonhole. Made up of equal parts Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, this medium to dark red colored wine shows aspects of all four of its varietals. Penetrating aromas of celery salt, leather, mint, plum, rose, and sandalwood with slight smoke and sassafras. The wine has a high yet polished tannic structure (Nebbiolo) with acidity that comes in on the top end of acceptable. Mouthfilling with high toned somewhat simple at present darkfruits. The finish is long but eventually the tannins win out over the fruit at the end. A must try for jaded palates. Drink 2006 to 2011. 87+ points.