Bonarda, Oltrepo Pavese, Millennium. 1999, Azienda Agricola Fratelli Agnes

This wine is boldly Italian in character with an explosive rich earthiness and bracing acidity throughout. A brilliant garnet tinged ruby, the aromas are expansive and wonderfully complex with layers of  dark fruit, leather, porcini and a warm smokiness. This wine caresses your palate, not overwhelms, but in no way is it light. Rather it is quite rich and concentrated, but the acidity and tannins carry the flavors beautifully. A tremendous, length finish. Fully ready to drink, but able to grow over the next several years, this is by far the finest Bonarda I have tasted.