"Deep, almost inky red. Intense musky aromas of espresso, tobacco, underbrush and brown spices show distinct mineral and floral qualities. Boasts ripe, intense fruit flavors of red cherry and smoky plum, plus a hint of blackberry liqueur, but comes across as only moderately sweet as the substantial but fine-grained tannins grip the palate and won't let go. This layered wine finishes with superb persistence. Terre di Lavoro is an Italian cult wine everyone always raves about, but a blind tasting of this wine makes it clear that the tannins in this vintage verge on harsh, and that the wine must be forgotten in the cellar for five or six years in the hope that the fruit will eventually overcome the tannins."
Robert Parker
RP93
"The 2005 Terra di Lavoro is an excellent choice for readers seeking a fairly approachable vintage that won’t require extended cellaring. Because of the cold summer, this is a rather delicate Terra di Lavoro laced with red cherries, crushed flowers and a fresh, vinous quality I find highly appealing. The 2005 is a mid-weight Terra di Lavoro, but the lively acidity should allow the wine to age gracefully for a number of years. The aromatics and flavors aren’t fully developed, but with some air the 2005 is relatively approachable today. It is a beautiful Terra di Lavoro that only suffers from the wines surrounding it. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025." -Antonio Galloni