Luce Della Vite Lucente 2005

Blend: 50% Merlot, 35% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

A powerful, dense ruby, flecked with purple, announces Lucente, followed by a seductively elegant and measured suite of aromatics. Notes of smooth vanilla are first to emerge, enlivened by crisp balsamic essences. Then, evolved impressions of raw and tanned leather build complexity, which finally yield to rich notes of dark cherry and fruit preserves. In the mouth, Lucente's sheer volume is noteworthy, building steadily on the palate, and brilliantly supported by a core of tannins that are dense and fine-grained, but at the same time lively and expressive. The finale is velvety, delicious, and appealing.