2015 Oltrepò Pavese DOC Bonarda, Lombardy, Italy

Somewhat open, a little animal and woody nose, predominantly black berries, dried vegetal and earthy notes, hazelnut and a hint of tobacco. Dark, partly preserved fruit on the palate, roasted and slightly greasy oak, cocoa and coffee, fine sandy, slightly astringent tannins, quite full-bodied, vegetal and herbaceous notes, slightly bitterish and ashen, slightly almonds, good persistence, good to very good, tart, again smoky-woody finish. Much better than the first sample.

Best to drink: Bis 2020+. What our ratings mean