The 1998 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva may be even better than the 1997. It exhibits additional notes of melted asphalt along with sweet black cherry and currant fruit, licorice, underbrush, and leather. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, concentrated, and accessible, it may not possess the size of the 1997, but aromatically, it is more complex, with a more refined overall balance. It should drink well for 7-8 years.
Importer: John Given Wines, Staatsburg, NY; tel. (845) 266-3554