2005 Luce della Vite Luce Toscana IGT, Tuscany

Luce 2005 is a deep purplish-ruby red. The nose initially releases ripe dried plum and bright wild berry fruit, with blueberry and raspberry predominating, complemented by clean-edged notes of morello cherry, yielding gradually to more pungent essences, particularly intertwined impressions of eucalyptus and menthol, which shade into spicy black pepper and cinnamon, and smooth vanilla. Last to emerge are enticingly crisp nuances of mown hay, black licorice, and pencil lead. The attack is velvet smooth, and a firm-structured palate builds great depth, supported by a massive suite of fine-grained, ripe tannins. An almost endless finish crowns this impressive offering.