The lovely 2001 San Leonardo is a wine in its adolescence phase. Its pedigree is cemented, but its future is still open to chance. This was an excellent vintage that saw pre-harvest rains and warm, dry weather once the fruit had reached optimal ripeness. With this vintage, you begin to get some of the younger aromas that distinguish this great red wine from the far north of Italy. Red cherry and blackberry are followed by chocolate, spice and moist leather. The wine is more immediate, modern and "international" with soft tannins and thick extraction. It opens with a bang and follows through to the end of the palate with the same generous intensity. I'd suggest parking this wine in your cellar for up to ten years or more.

The estate’s flagship San Leonardo is outstanding in 2001, in fact it may be the finest wine to come from the estate. Made from low yields of 50 quintals per hectare, it spent a few months in cask prior to being racked into French oak barrels where it aged for 24 months. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot is superbly elegant and poised in its layered dark fruit, herbs, tobacco, new leather, spices and licorice. It offers outstanding length and harmony. Whereas in the past I have found San Leonardo to border on being on excessively herbal, the 2001 represents a new level of elegance for the estate. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Tenuta San Leonardo is one of Trentino’s historic estates. The property has been owned by the Guerrieri Gonzaga family since the mid 18th century and winemaking is overseen by consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

This is a gorgeous and linear wine that boasts beautiful layers of black currant, tar, asphalt, drying mineral, green spice, curry powder and licorice. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine has aged well over the years and promises additional longevity thanks to its bright acidity and the integrity of its fruit.——M.L.(3/1/2009)—— 93