Avignonesi makes great wines in Montepulciano, a small village in Tuscany. Their Vino Nobile is outstanding, and they too are fashioning what have become known as “Super Tuscans.” But theirs is not a blend including the native Sangiovese grape — it’s a single grape variety most associated with Pomerol or the Napa Valley. It’s called Desiderio, and once having tasted this predominantly Merlot offering, you may desire a bottle, too!
2011 Desiderio, Avignonesi $60 srp
A dark, crimson-ruby color. Fascinating nose of berries, blackcurrant and plum with mocha/coffee, leather, tobacco and mentholated highlights. A great sniff! Flavors are mouth-filling yet tender, with black fruits, a touch of wild cherry and almond underpinnings. This is a glorious mouthful of gorgeous and generous fruit. It’s a bit restrained now, but opens up nicely over the course of four hours. (85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) Drink now-2021.
92/100 points
If you should happen to spill a drop of this on your tablecloth (heaven forbid), there’s a wonderful spray product that removes the offending red spot before your eyes. It’s called Vino 911, and it works. For $5, this is an almost indispensable product to have close by. It’s available at Morgan Imports among other local shops.
