The Pinot Nero is surprisingly rich in 2008. It shows plenty of varietal character backed up by significant Tuscan muscle. Sweet dark cherries, earthiness and tobacco take shape beautifully in the glass. The aromatics aren-t quite as focused or delineated as is often the case, but otherwise this is a very fine showing in a tricky vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Giovanni Manetti describes his 2008s as higher in acidity and lower in alcohol than his 2007s. The spring and early summer were quite damp, which caused quite a bit of shatter and therefore lowered yields considerably. The summer was on the cool side and the harvest began in late September. The 2008s are decidedly mid-weight wines from Fontodi, yet the acidities are excellent and the wines are texturally very fine. I would not at all be surprised to see some of these wines show even better in another 5-10 years. Such is the nature of Sangiovese.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907