The polished oak hits the nose straight away, but then comes a fabulous array of black fruit with dark plums, blackcurrants and berries, as well as some coffee cream and chocolate. Full-bodied and intense with silky layers of fruit, dark chocolate and fine, grainy tannins that pick up a lot of the fruit and savory flavors, driving to a long finish. Delicious to taste now, even drink, but will continue to improve in the bottle. <br> #55 Top 100 Wines of Italy 2021

Flat-out stunning, the 2019 Terra di Lavoro entices with a dramatic bouquet that blends wild blueberries with crushed violets, cloves, dried orange peels and a lovely whiff of sweet smoke. This is a model of elegance, velvety yet cool-toned in feel. A vibrant, acidic core keeps masses of ripe red and black fruits in constant play. Its tannins are chiseled, creating a crunchy sensation, and while structured for the long haul, the wine remains amazingly fresh and graceful. There's a level of refinement and balance here that tempts the imagination. The 2019 is not to be missed.

The Galardi 2019 Terra di Lavoro shows pretty density and concentration that offers firmness without feeling heavy or too thick. That's what gives this blend of 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso its high drinkability and general appeal. The bouquet does show a savory character of charred spice and cured tobacco that follows dark fruit and baked plum. This is a very elegant, medium to full-bodied Campania red.

Year by year, this blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso results in one of my favourite wines from Campania. The 2019 doesn't deviate despite slightly less concentration. The grapes (from a mix of 40% younger vines and 60% up to 25 years old) are grown at 450 metres above sea level on volcanic soils between Sessa Aurunca and Galluccio, mostly west-facing. Fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts and matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, it has a dark crimson colour and expresses restrained cassis, Modica chocolate, fresh leather and black olives. The attack is firm, broad and refined, with youthful grainy tannins of great extraction on the mid-palate, followed by a sweet aftertaste. The dark-fruit acidity is plentiful, well integrated yet brilliant, giving a relaxing drinkability. A bit leaner than usual and still a bit embryonic considering its potential.

Cool and fresh on the nose, with slate, saltwater, eucalyptus, and wild mint, then suddenly warm with chili pepper, dried cranberries, bloodorange. The palate is dense and rich with dried cherries and macerated berries, but then crackling with tangy plum skin, acid, and Maldon salt flakes. A refinement to the tannins that I can't remember finding anywhere else, let alone in Aglianico.