Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOCG
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled hybrid tanks of stainless steel and oak

  Malolactic: Yes, in barrel

  Temperature:  20-30 degrees

  Length: 7-10 days

  Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year                               

  Origin of Barrel: 50% in customized 350 liter French Oak barrels, 50% in French Oak Casks

• brix 23,9
• Alcohol 13,5%
• ph 3,56
• Extracto seco neto 28,9
• Azúcar residual 1,4

• Intensidad del color 0,64
• Acidez total 5,4
• Ácido málico 0,01
• Acidez volátil 0,41

• Total 109
• Libre 38
• The sufficient spring rainfall avoided any water stress during the hot summer months. The quite hot temperatures in July and August, together with a quite wide-range difference in temperature between night and day, favored the grapes maturation. This way, the white grapes could develop an excellent aromatic profile, while the reds could achieve a very good synthesis of polyphenols. September was sunny and dry, with warm temperatures that let complete the ripening of the grapes and yielded for most favorable conditions during the harvest.

Ruby red color. The bouquet is complex, with notes of cherry, plum and soft scents of hazelnut and licorice. In the mouth, the structure is large yet soft, with a persistent finish.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  In temperatue-controlled hybrid tanks of stainless steel and oak from 20 to 30 degrees centigrade, from 7 to 10 days. Malolactic: in barrel.  Aged 1 year.  50% in customized 350 liter French Oak barrels, 50% in French Oak casks.

• brix 24
• Alcohol 13%
• ph 3.55
• Extracto seco neto 28.9
• Azúcar residual 0.4

• Acidez total 5.6
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.42

• Total 106
• Libre 36
• The growing cycle began slightly in advance. We had a very rainy spring and cool temperatures, and well below the seasonal average, in the summer months. This meant that the maturation of the grapes took place with a delay of about 10 days compared to the previous years. The harvest of early varieties was facilitated by a rather cool beginning of September, while late varieties enjoyed a rise in temperatures in the last decade of the month, which allowed for a full ripening of the grapes.

Ruby red color, very intense. The bouquet is complex, with fruity notes of cherry, plum, small berries along with hints of vanille, coffe and tobacco. The structure is large and well balanced thanks to the pleasant and vibrant acidity. The finish is remarkably persistent

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  In temperatue-controlled hybrid tanks of stainless steel and oak from 20 to 30 degrees centigrade, from 7 to 10 days. Malolactic: in barrel.  Aged 1 year.  50% in customized 350 liter French Oak barrels, 50% in French Oak casks.

• brix 24
• Alcohol 13.5%
• ph 3.58
• Extracto seco neto 29.6
• Azúcar residual 0.4

• Acidez total 5.4
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.48

• Total 101
• Libre 35
• The growing cycle began with a significant delay, with some rains during the spring. June was marked by cooler temperatures, under the seasonal average. August and September were hot and dry, but the ripening, despite two weeks delay, have been supported by water reserves of the previous months. Summer nights were characterized by cooler temperatures, contributing to the improvement of the quality of the grapes. From the end of September, rainfall was abundant, causing problems during the repining, without affecting the vineyards.

Ruby red color. The bouquet is complex, with notes of licorice, plum jam and light hints of vanilla in the finish. The structure is large, soft and powerful. The aftertaste is very long. 

• Rossi Di Montalcino
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  In temperatue-controlled hybrid tanks of stainless steel and oak from 20 to 30 degrees centigrade, for 7 to 10 days.  Malolactic: in barrel.  Aged 1 year.  50% in customized 350 liter French Oak barrels, 50% in French Oak casks.

• brix 24
• Alcohol 13.8%
• ph 3.52
• Extracto seco neto 30.4
• Azúcar residual 0.6

• Acidez total 5.2
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.52

• Total 93
• Libre 34
• The growing cycle began in the usual time frame, with dry weather in April and May. June was marked by cooler temperatures and a lack of rainfall. Summer saw a return to regular average temperatures in July through mid-August, when a sudden heat wave raised temperatures over 40°C (104°F) through the end of the month. A sun-drenched September, with normal average temperatures, allowed for a good harvest.

Intense, ruby red color. On the nose classic aromas of blackberry and raspberry, which are well integrated with notes of vanilla and tobacco. The structure is ample, very concentrated and harmonious, supported by a good acidity. The finish is persistent.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled Hybrid tanks of stainless steel and oak. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrel. Origin of Barrel: 50% in customized 350 liter French Oak barrels, 50% in French Oak Casks. 

   

• brix 24.5
• Alcohol 14%
• ph 3.52
• Extracto seco neto 29.1
• Azúcar residual 1.1

• Acidez total 5.2
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.4

• Total 119
• Libre 43
• The vine’s growth cycle started at the right time with particularly mild and dry weather in April and May. Sunny days in June were then followed by copious rainfall in mid-July, accompanied by a significant drop in temperature. August was fairly cool, but the region was then covered by an anti-cyclone weather pattern originating from Africa, which led to a spike in temperatures, reaching well above the average for the period and lasting for around two weeks, putting the vines under hydric stress and accelerating the ripening. September and October were sunny and dry with very hot temperatures.

Ruby red in color. Fruity bouquet, with hints of plum, blackberry, violet and a delicate note of licorice. Great structure, dense and soft, is balanced by good acidity. The finish is long and persistent.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled hybrid stainless steel and oak tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: 50% in customized 350 liter French Oak barrels, 50% in Slavonian Oak Casks. 

   

• brix 24.4
• Alcohol 13.86%
• ph 3.61
• Extracto seco neto 27.64
• Azúcar residual 0.9

• Acidez total 5.0
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.43

• Total 98
• Libre 35
• The growing season started slightly late, followed by abundant rain in May and June. Temperatures in June were cool and well below seasonal averages; in the beginning of July the temperatures began to warm up and became quite hot by mid-month. Temperatures cooled down again in August again with notably cool nights, which significantly contributed to the quality of the fruit, both in terms of aromas and natural acidity. From the middle of August through the months of September and October rainfall was scarce, resulting in an excellent harvest.

Ruby red in color. The aromas are fruity with notes of plum, blackberry, violet and a delicate hint of licorice. On the palate, the important structure is immediately perceived; it is round and vigorous, with a pleasant finish and an amazing persistence.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled hybrid stainless steel and oak tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: 50% French Oak barriques, 50% Slavonian Oak Casks.  

• brix 24.4
• Alcohol 13.86%
• ph 3.61
• Extracto seco neto 27.64
• Azúcar residual 0.9

• Acidez total 5.0
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.43

• Total 98
• Libre 35
• The spring start to the growing cycle was marked by abundant rainfall, which helped provide high levels of water reserves. The rainy phase went on till mid July, with temperatures particularly cool and well below the seasonal norm. After mid July, the weather stayed warm and dry; in this phase, the vines could take advantage of the water reserves accumulated during the spring. Relatively cool nighttime temperatures allowed for the gradual development of aromatics and polyphenols, enhancing the overall quality of the grapes. The harvest went smoothly thanks to dry, warm and sunny days in September and October.

Intense ruby red color. On the nose this wine is very fruity and reveals a good complexity, with notes of plums, blackberry and violet, as well as a delicate hint of licorice. The structure is full-bodied, soft and powerful; excellent finish, particularly persistent. 

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled hybrid stainless steel and oak tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: 50% French Oak barriques, 50% Slavonian Oak Casks.   

• brix 23
• Alcohol 13.5%
• ph 3,62
• Extracto seco neto 29,8
• Azúcar residual 1,5

• Acidez total 5.1
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.49

• Total 102
• Libre 38
• The winter, with levels of precipitation above the seasonal average and quite mild temperatures, was followed by normal spring conditions, in terms of both rainfall and temperature. Some rainfall marked the months of May and June, along with relatively cool temperatures through mid July. The hail storm which took place on Ferragosto (August 15th) only partially effected our vineyards, sparing the choicest fruit and impacting production with only a small decrease in quantity. Compared to recent years, all phases of the growing season were delayed, including the harvest which took place two weeks late but under optimal conditions.

Intense ruby red color. On the nose this wine is complex with hints of licorice and plum jam, as well as a delicate not of vanilla on the finish. The structure is full, soft and powerful; excellent aftertaste, particularly persistent. 

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled  hybrid stainless steel and oak tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: 50% French Oak barriques, 50% Slavonian Oak Casks. 

• brix 24,2
• Alcohol 13.7%
• ph 3,59
• Extracto seco neto 27,3

• Intensidad del color 0,7
• Acidez total 5.1
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.46

• Total 109
• Libre 37
• Thanks to a mild winter, the growing season started early, with anticipated flowering. Heavy rainfall in late May and early June provided sufficient water reserves in the soil to endure the mid-June heat wave. The harvest started about one week ahead of time yet still lasted into mid October without any difficulties, thanks to ideal fall weather.

Intense dark red color. On the nose this wine is complex with hints of red fruits as well as more spicy notes of liquorice and leather. Gentle on the palate, but at the same time particularly powerful and with a long finish and great structure.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days . Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: 50% French Oak barriques, 50% Slavonian Oak Casks. 

• brix 23.5
• Alcohol 13.25%
• ph 3.51
• Extracto seco neto 29.04
• Azúcar residual 0.90

• Intensidad del color 1.067
• Acidez total 5.05
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.46

• Total 115
• Libre 37
• The regular rainfalls throughout spring allowed for good hydro conditions during the hot summer months. The hot temperatures during July yielded for an exceptional ripening of the grapes helped by the right temperature range between day and night in August. The warm September allowed for an excellent harvesting.

Intense dark red color. A flowery elegance with flavors of blackberry, raspberry and hints of vanilla and tobacco. A great structure with sweet and soft tannins creating a harmonic wine with a long after taste. 

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl and French oak barriques for the other half. 

• brix 23.5
• Alcohol 13.2%
• ph 3.61
• Extracto seco neto 30.18
• Azúcar residual 0.82

• Intensidad del color 0.881
• Acidez total 5.2
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.38

• Total 115
• Libre 36
• The regular seasonal conditions during spring were marked by a hailstorm that reduced the production. The moderate temperatures in summer with a fresh August permitted to the vines not to suffer any hydric stress. The warm and sunny September allowed for a good harvesting.

Intense dark red color. Fruity and fresh aromas with notes of  black berries and raspberries, vanilla and tobacco. The  structure is very  powerful  with gentle tannins that give harmony and long finish.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl and French oak barriques for the other half.  

• brix 23
• Alcohol 12.9
• ph 3.53
• Extracto seco neto 30.4
• Azúcar residual 0.7

• Intensidad del color 0.950
• Acidez total 5.4
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.59

• Total 98
• Libre 33
• A regular growth starting with sufficient rainfall during spring to create good water reserves in the soil. Overall summer temperatures were lower than the last ones and most importantly, normal patterns of more than significant variations between daytime and night temperatures returned, yielding for a slow and balanced ripening.

Ruby intense red color. Fruity aromas reminiscent of black berries and plums, with light notes  of tobacco and coffee. The  structure is very concentrated  and harmonious. Long finish.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl and French oak barriques for the other half.  

• brix 23
• Alcohol 12.8
• ph 3.65
• Extracto seco neto 31.6
• Azúcar residual 0.7

• Intensidad del color 1100
• Acidez total 5.2
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.5

• Total 99
• Libre 36
• The seasonal conditions were marked by a severe spring frost and by one of the most severe heat waves in European history that greatly anticipated the start of the annual harvest. Fortunately, the heavy rainfall of the previous winter allowed for abundant water reserves in the soil, thus avoiding the risk of hydric stress for the plants. The spring frost, combined with the hot summer, allowed for a rich and concentrated fruit, even if greatly reduced in quantity. Most importantly, normal patterns of significant variations between daytime and night temperatures returned, adding finesse and complexity to this very good vintage. The exceptionally healthy berries of this vintage allow for an optimal quality harvesting.

Ruby intense red color. The bouquet is fruity, reminding of plums jam and black berries, with notes of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate it has a good structure well balanced with a good acidity thatyields for a pleasant freshness. Long finish. 

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl and French oak barriques for the other half. 

• brix 23
• Alcohol 12.8
• ph 3.6
• Extracto seco neto 30.6

• Intensidad del color 950
• Acidez total 5.7
• Ácido málico 0.01
• Acidez volátil 0.56

• Total 98
• Libre 34
• A warm and dry start to the season yielded to heavy rains in August and September, delaying normal development. Fortunately, the early harvest of the Chardonnay was completed as the rains began to fall, minimizing any negative impact. Generous spacing between rows of vines also played a positive role, allowing for optimal airflow and avoiding risk of mold.

Ruby deep and intense color. The bouquet is fruity, sweet reminding of cherries, plums, small berries, vanilla, coffee and tobacco. On the palate it has a good structure well balanced with the acidity. Long finish.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes, in barrique. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl) and French oak barriques for the other half. 

• brix 23
• Alcohol 12.7
• ph 3.5
• Extracto seco neto 30.6

• Intensidad del color 907
• Acidez total 5.7
• Ácido málico 0,01
• Acidez volátil 0,5

• Total 98
• Libre 34
• The seasonal conditions were marked by a severe early frost on Easter Eve that reduced the production. Subsequently, sufficient rainfall at the end of June allowed for an optimal balance of water reserves in the soil. The temperature climbed gradually from mid July but without reaching any excessive high peak. Some rainfall in September permitted to Sangiovese to reach a good technological and physiological maturation.

The color is deep, intense and young. The bouquet is sweet reminding of pastries like vanilla and butter but also slightly fruity of raspberries and cherries. With the oxygenation the bouquet has also very sweet notes of coffee and pipe tobacco. On the palate it has a good structure with well-developed tannins, soft but powerful at the same time. A wine very well balanced and harmonic.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  20-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days. Malolactic: Yes. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl), French oak barriques for the other half.

• brix 23.1
• Alcohol 12.9
• ph 3.5
• Extracto seco neto 29.4

• Intensidad del color 1150
• Acidez total 5.4
• Ácido málico 0,01
• Acidez volátil 0,46

• Total 81,1
• Libre 27,8
• A rainy winter was followed by a cool spring which allowed for an optimal development of the vegetation until mid August, but then the torrid temperature (over 37°C during the day and 20°C during the night) put the plants under a severe hydric stress that stopped the synthesis process and accelerated dramatically the maturation of sugars. This critical situation was skillfully managed anticipating the beginning of the harvest and operating with a soft approach (night harvest). This allowed to minimize the risks of extracting bitter compounds and aromas. It was one of the most challenging vintages in our estate’s history.

The color is very deep and intense with violet hints; the bouquet is sweet reminding of red fruits, raspberries and cherries, but also with sweet hints such as cream. In the palate it has a good structure with well developed tannins, soft but powerful at the same time. A wine very well balanced and harmonic.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  25-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 7-10 days . Malolactic: Yes. Origin of Barrel For half of the wine, Slavonian oak casks (Foudres, 60hl & 120hl), French oak barriques (Nevers, Allier) for the remainder.

• brix 23.1
• Alcohol 13
• ph 3.46
• Extracto seco neto 29.7

• Intensidad del color 1019
• Acidez total 5.3
• Ácido málico 0.02
• Acidez volátil 0.48

• Total 92
• Libre 32
• Flowering of the vines was slightly ahead of schedule. Good rainfall in the second half of June was opportune to give the soil the hydric reserves needed for the summer to follow, which was noted for slightly lower temperatures and a shorter than usual period of intense heat. These conditions allowed for ideal maturation without any sort of stress on the vines as they entered into a harvest period that was also free of disturbing rainfall.

The color is a very deep ruby red, with lively hints of violet. The bouquet is fresh and captivating, with notes of cyclamen, berries, plums, raspberries, and more complex flavors of licorice, cigar and cream. On the palate the wine is powerful, robust, flavorful and balanced. The quality of the tannins is quite good, evidence of optimal maturation both on the vine and in the barrel. The finish is long and intense notes of vanilla, liquorice, sandalwood and almond.  On the palate the wine is gentle, with a structure that softly fills the mouth, thanks to sweet tannins that give a solid, dense structure.  A long finish, with fine and persistent flavors.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  25-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 8-14 days. Malolactic: Yes.Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl), French oak barriques for the other half.

   

• brix 22.5
• Alcohol 12.5
• ph 3.5
• Extracto seco neto 28.8

• Intensidad del color 801
• Acidez total 5.5
• Ácido málico 0.02
• Acidez volátil 0.43

• Total 86
• Libre 24
• The sunniest and hottest summer in Montalcino in local memory, yet acidity and color are all within the normal ranges. Good maturity, low yields and high alcohol levels indicate an exceptional vintage.

The color is a very deep ruby red; the bouquet is rich, immediately very expressive, and extends its profile from notes of fresh raspberries, cherries, plums and other fruits, to more spicy, toasty notes of vanilla, liquorice, sandalwood and almond.  On the palate the wine is gentle, with a structure that softly fills the mouth, thanks to sweet tannins that give a solid, dense structure.  A long finish, with fine and persistent flavors.

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 1 year. Temperature:  28-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 15 days. Malolactic: Yes. Origin of Barrel: For half of the wine, Slavonian Oak Casks (Foudres), 60hl & 120hl), French oak barriques for the other half.

   

• brix 22.6
• Alcohol 12.7
• ph 3.43
• Extracto seco neto 27.6

• Intensidad del color 780
• Acidez total 5.4
• Acidez volátil 0.56

• Total 90
• Libre 28
• A late start to the growing season was recovered by late spring. Heavy April frosts seriously reduced quantities, which resulted in exceptional concentration and quality but very low yields.

Fruity and full, with spicy notes from the oak.  Very appealing now, also has great aging potential

• Rosso di Montalcino Castello Banfi
• Denominación DOC
• Uvas empleadas 100% Sangiovese Brunello
• Método de producción

  Method:  In temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Length of Barrel Aging: 12 months. Temperature:  28-30 degrees centigrade. Length: 12 days. Malolactic: Yes. Origin of Barrel: Half of wine in French oak barriques (Nevers/Allier/Troncais), half in Slavonian oak casks.         

• brix 22.8
• Alcohol 12.8%
• ph 3.47
• Extracto seco neto 30.5

• Intensidad del color 815
• Acidez total 5.6
• Acidez volátil 0.45

• Total 84
• Libre 22
• Delays from cool spring were made up for by early summer. Rainfall during second half of harvest required good organization and rigorous selection to result in overall satisfying quality, though quantity was low.

Fruity and full on the palate, with spicy notes from the oak.  An appealing wine with great aging potential!