The 2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the regular bottling, shows on interesting nose of tar, licorice, and herbs, a medium body, good roundness and freshness, and adequate length. There will undoubtedly be a Riserva next year, but I am still of the opinion that a house properly regarded as a leader in its appellation should present a more ambitious wine than this. Drink: 2004-2010. Avignonesi’s line has steadily shrunk in recent years, as many of the individual wines have become blends and others have simply been dropped. The varietal Chardonnay and Sauvignon bottlings have become one wine, as have the Merlot and Cabernet, and the Pinot Noir has been eliminated. The line-up is still a strong one, however, and in certain categories competitive with Tuscany’s and Italy’s best.Importer: Dalla Terra Imports, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405