The 2007 Roccamonfina Terra di Lavoro announces itself with a blast of smoke, ash, red berries, flowers and minerals, all of which come together in a heady, exotic expression of Aglianico and Piedirosso, two of Campania's thoroughbred grapes. There is incredible clarity and nuance in the glass despite the wine's massive concentration. The 2007 is a very unusual Terra di Lavoro for its open, accessible personality and ripe, silky tannins, both of which are on full display. I am fairly certain the wine will shut down in bottle but today it is nothing short of glorious. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2032.
Terra di Lavoro is one of Italy's icon reds, and the 2007 is yet another in a series of mind-bending wines from the Murena, Celentano and Catello families. I will be reporting on a complete vertical of Terra di Lavoro in Issue 190 of The Wine Advocate.