Vestini Campagnano Pallagrello Nero Terre del Volturno 2015

93 points Eric Guido (Vinous): “The nose in the 2015 Pallagrello Nero is dark, savory, and firmly rooted in the earth, as crushed black fruits give way to a mix of cinnamon, smoked meats, olive, rosemary, and bay leaf, along with hints of animal musk and rich soil tones. It floods the palate with velvety textures, ushering in ripe blackberry with subtle spice, hints of grapefruit, and sweet herbal tones. This is satiating yet poised, without a hard edge to be found, as the 2015 Pallagrello Nero finishes with notes of blackberry jam, violet florals, and just a hint of residual tannin. Of further note, it performed just as well on the second day, showing me that there are many years of enjoyment in store, if you were to loss a few in the cellar. Drink: 2020-2030. (May 2020)”

91 points Wine & Spirits: “[$50 list] Proprietor Alberto Barletta was one of the first to resurrect old Campanian varieties like pallagrello nero and casavecchia in the northern province of Caserta. He now farms nearly 15 acres of vines planted in volcanic clay soils, which seem to impart notes of wet earth and a fired-brick savor to this wine’s plum and raspberry flavors. Scents of violets add lift while chewy fruit-skin tannins frame the juicy fruit. (Jun 2020)”