A wine so packed with life and exuberance it's hard to believe that this is a region with a long-suffered reputation for nondescript red plonk. From Maria and Geminiano's younger plots, the 'Raphael' is made from two indigenous Cesanese strains, vinified and aged for 8 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. This vintage in particular marries rich, dark fruit, beautiful acidity, and a super savory undertone. Delicately perfumed with fresh red cherries, flowers, and ever-so-subtle notes of spice, it is vibrant on the palate, redolent of red and black berries and tomato leaf, with firm, fine tannins, making it absolutely delicious as well as versatile. Always begs the question, why aren't we drinking more Cesanese?!