The 2010 Syrah Case Via opens to inky purple, impenetrable concentration that edges up the side of the glass with thick, viscous determination. Black cherry, blackberry, exotic spice, moist pipe tobacco, cured meat, smoked bacon and Spanish cedar all play important roles in the ever-changing bouquet. Softly layered and enormously rich, it feels exceedingly plush and generous on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028. Fontodi’s Giovanni Manetti has released one of the top Italian wines of 2010. His Flaccianello della Pieve (assembled from the best parcels of Sangiovese) is an expression of profound beauty and elegance. I tasted this wine early in my work for this issue and found myself returning to my note over and over again, comparing the other great wines of 2010 to Flaccianello. It became my benchmark for the vintage. Importer: Vinifera Imports; www.viniferaimports.com