Coming off Katy Bell’s awesome list of Top Wines of 2023 where she mentions the Merlot from this fabulous producer (which I’ve had and agree) , I dug into the cellar for this Rosso blend from the same winery. Montepulciano, Sangio and Merlot here, and the first sniff spells “Italian” through and through. Kinda a new-world style: deep, impenetrable ruby-black in the glass, a nose ripe and unflatteringly concentrated, heavenly aspects of funk and rusticity abound–nonetheless. The thin pink rim tells a story of grainy briar of youth and perfection expectant.

Tasting it blows the mind into decadence often sought-after–but seldom realized. True IGP reality expresses itself throughout: a dusty alignment of structure melding with gasping true reality of fruit and typicity into a mouth-feel gobstopping in contemplation. Beautifully exercised black cherry and blackberry expound on pomegranate and pie-cherry pith, catapulting everything to wondrous results. It’s achy and delerious. It’s ponderously fruity while restrained. It’s absolutely magic. I don’t have words.

2020 IL CONTE VILLA PRANDONE ‘Zipolo’ Red Blend Marche Rosso IGP Italy 14.5

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