Il Vassallo 2008

60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is matured partly in Allier barriques and partly in 20 hl Slavonian oak casks. It has an intense ruby colour of medium depth and supple, varied and complex fragrances that range from balsamic and resinous notes to scents of citrus fruits, black olive paste and leather. The fruit on the palate is supple and refined, and less powerful than the Bordeaux-style blend would lead you to expect. It should be remembered, though, that the vineyards are on light volcanic soils, rich in ash and phosphorus, and the result is to be found in the fine and elegant structure that this wine nearly always displays. This is a delicious, highly quaffable red, in spite of the fact that it possesses the complexity of a world-class wine.