I, full disclosure, actually collect some of the wine produced by this exemplary winery in the Sienese hills of Tuscany. Avignonesi’s Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano is one of the most fragrant and suave reds of the region. It’s a clone of the Sangiovese grape, called Prugnolo Gentile (I just love saying that out loud), that produces superb results. This exceptional grape is blended with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon to produce today’s bottling called “Grifi.” This is a wine that further extols what can be achieved as a member of Tuscany’s “alternative” elite, what some call “Super Tuscan.” It is a magical wine to savor, discuss and admire.
2010 Grifi, Avignonesi $60 srp
Opaque, saturated color. Wonderfully fragrant bouquet that requires multiple sniffs before tasting. Long, richly fruited nose of blackberry and plum with smoke, thyme, mushroom and soft oak elements. This is a big mouthful of chewy cherry and licorice notes. It has that ripeness one craves – almost sweet in its round and balanced way. This is exciting to drink tonight with two hours aeration, but would also be a great candidate for short cellaring. Drink now-2021.
93/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
