2000 Imana Oracolo. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Veneto. Incredibly concentrated, not oaky, looong finish. Still an infant, will definitely improve with five more years in the cellar. What impressed me was the level of concentration without it being jammy; and, at 14.5% booze, was not hot. Truly unique herbal/vegetal quality that was not gross, off-putting, or an indication of under-ripness. Hell, these grapes were hyper-ripe! From their website:

The grapes in 2000 presented us with a sight we had never seen – so ripe that some had begun to shrivel on the vine yet the acidity and tannin levels held firm. This concetration is evident in every facet of Oracolo. The colour is almost opaque and the nose explodes from the glass, still young, it already shows black fruit, Griotte cherry, and touches of exotic spice and vanilla. In the mouth the enormous power is framed by fine tannins and focussed acidity. The finish is remarkable and suggests celaring potential of at least a decade.

This wine retails for under $50 and is definitely worth a splurge.

I’m looking forward to trying the Oracolo’s baby brother, the Bradisismo