The estate's 2006 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is gorgeous. Sweet floral notes lead to a burst of dark red fruit as this energetic Montepulciano shows off its class. Smoke, ash, tar, licorice and a host of other aromas and flavors develop in the glass, adding further layers of depth and complexity. This is a decidedly muscular, intense wine that will require patience. As always, it is a touch rustic in its youth, but Valentini's wines have a way of acquiring elegance in bottle.

Fully saturated ruby. Complex nose offers dark cherry, plum sauce, eucalyptus, tobacco and camphor. Dense, rich and powerful, but conveys an impression of energy to its ripe dark fruit, balsamic and vanilla flavors. Sneaky concentration here. Features a very soft, creamy yet sharply delineated mouthfeel perked up by harmonious, lively acidity. Vibrant red cherry and menthol flavors dominate on the long, very smooth finish. Although this is still a pup and can only improve with further bottle age,it seems a bit sweeter and less austere than some past great montepulcianos from Valentini.