The single-vineyard 2013 Irpinia Aglianico Dal Re is a shapely and well-composed Aglianico that paints a pretty portrait of the grape. But it does't feel stripped down. In fact, this edition of Dal Re is plump and rich with bright tones of dark fruit, cola, licorice, tar and toasted wood. Tame tannins offer good support to the generous richness of the wine. Fruit is harvested from relatively young vines planted some 400 meters above sea level where day and nighttime temperature shifts help to set color and aromatic purity.

The 2012 Irpinia Aglianico Dal Re reveals a ripe and warm personality with mature tones of blackberry, pressed rose petal, tar and crushed stone. Dal Re takes an easy approach to Aglianico. Fruit is harvested from 20-year-old vines in ashy volcanic soils and sees a short, six-month stay in oak. This is a slightly warmer vintage and the quality of the tannins are softer and richer as a result. You feel that this wine has more to offer, but holds back.