Cosimo Taurino, Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva (Puglia, Italy) 2011

 This 2011 is the current release of Cosimo Taurino’s Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva and it is just now entering the drinking window.  The wine shows fresh cherry, prune, dried rosemary, leather, iron fillings, and strawberry notes.  The high acidity and smooth, earthy tannins suggest that this wine can easily continue aging for another 10 years.  That Cosimo Taurino is holding this wine for over 10 years before release is incredible but the fact that they’re still selling it for under $25 makes it drink more like highway robbery.  Comprised of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera.