The 2000 Desiderio, dominated by the Merlot but with some supplementary Cabernet, is ruby/purple in color with black highlights and features a ripe and classic Bordeaux nose of cassis, blackberries, sweet sage, and graphite. Ample and tasty on the palate, its force and concentration are well balanced by elegant tannins, much precision and focus, and a solid, mineral finish. Built to last, it will offer maximum pleasure between 2005 and 2015. Ettore Falvo took up the cause of Vino Nobile in the late 1970’s and, together with Paola De Ferrari of Boscarelli, did yeoman’s work in defending the cause. A sizeable operation with vineyards both in Montepulciano and neighboring Cortona, Avignonesi (the name comes from Falvo’s former wife, Adriana Avignonesi) the label, for a certain period of time, demonstrated to the world’s markets that the zone continued to exist. There has been some inconsistency from vintage to vintage and from wine to wine in the 1990’s, but this is a strong series. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405