I just got a great buy on two, 3 x 1.5L packs of ‘96 Luce, the brunello/merlot blend made in Italy under the Mondavi/Frescobaldi partnership.
By most professional reckonings, this was not a great vintage (e.g. Parker 78), but this wine is drinking very nicely, and is a good example of graceful ageing.
The color is fading, with a nice brick color showing at the edge, and the aromas are stunning, redolent of crushed berries. On the palate it is so velvety and smooth, the tannins having been fully resolved. There’s still some nice red berry fruit, but it’s tinged with savory mushroom and balsamic or soy sauce notes. The comingling of the flavors is complete, and consistent all the way through to the moderately long finish.
I wouldn’t be sitting on these too long, as the wine is definitely in the sweet spot and probably won’t be getting any better. It’ll probably hold a bit longer, but why push it? I’m pouring this by the glass right now, at $12.50 (6 oz.).
Which reminds me, I’m using a new, nitrogen dispenser on this one, so once it’s uncorked, it stays under the gas until finished. It’s a simple system, but certainly does the job!