The plum/purple-colored 1999 Petit Verdot offers aromas of cedar, tobacco, underbrush, and new oak. Forceful and concentrated, with moderate levels of tannin, it will undoubtedly become increasingly cedary and herbaceous with age. Consume it over the next 5-8 years. This is an exceptionally well-made offering from a region in southern Italy, not far from Rome's international airport. It is barrique aged. The wine is technically impressive, possessing a dense ruby/purple color as well as plenty of toasty new oak and sweet tannin. That being said, there is a certain international style to this wine. Tasted blind, I would not have the slightest idea whether it was from Italy, Australia, France, or America. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907