Olivastri Tommaso – La Carrata 2012 – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 

The nose is fruity, powerful, elegant and offers concentration. It reveals notes of ripe/cooked cassis and cooked redcurrant combined with small notes of wild strawberry, Sichuan pepper, violets as well as slight hints of spices and a, imperceptible toasted hint. The mouth is fruity, suave, soft, silky, elegant, (very) slightly tight and offers delicacy, fat, a good volume, fleshiness, a beautiful definition, a fine richness as well as a beautiful harmony. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, cooked cassis and small notes of cooked redcurrants combined with small notes of strawberry, olive, garrigue as well as discreet hints of Sichuan pepper and sweet spices. Tannins are fine, elegant and (very) slightly chewy. Good length and good persistence. There is a very discreet hint of chocolate (in the background) on the persistence. A beautiful wine!