Umbria, Italy.....
"The 2007 Vitiano (Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) is a soft-textured, caressing red that blossoms on the palate with layers of perfumed red fruit and sweet French oak. This is an especially seamless and beautiful Vitiano that is especially rewarding for its textural richness..." RP-89 pts. Riccardo Cotarella’s numerous consulting engagements take him all over the world, but it is Falesco, his estate in the rolling hills of Umbria, that he calls home. Falesco is a family affair, with Cotarella’s brother Renzo, and daughter Dominga involved in running the winery. The sprawling property covers 670 acres, 370 of which are under vine. Quality is incredibly consistent when one considers that nearly 3 million bottles emerge from these cellars each year.
"Ridiculously dark black-ruby color. Pretty aromas of cassis, black plum and earth, with a pronounced vanilla presence that does not overpower the fruit. Rich and densely packed, with distinctly ripe flavors of black fruits, raisin and chocolate lifted by an intriguing balsamic vinegar note. This finishes lighter than it starts, with welcome acidity nicely delineating the borderline-overripe fruit. Finishes creamy and long. This is a lot of wine for the money, and the best Vitiano in years." 91 Points- Stephen Tanzer