Aquila Reale Riserva 2004

This was a cooler year with an earlier harvest which meant that greater effort was needed in the cellar. The wine has a distinct personality with its full and sparkling straw-yellow color. Although it is more honey-like due to a greater use of wood, the aroma has pink grapefruit, lemon peel, apricot and candied pineapple, mint, yeast, white pepper and barley caramel. The flavor is more delicate and captivating than the previous vintage, complex and with more fabric. A pleasing freshness and nice acidity are balanced by the wine's alcoholic softness. There are accents of white chocolate, spice and honey that enrich a long finish. It appears to have good potential for which time will tell.