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Notes

And the Saga continues…  The 2017 “Ricordi” Signature Blend picks up right where the 2016 left off.  Like it’s older brother, the wine is BIG with many flavors and layers. It has just enough acidity to carry the weight and alcohol.  With 48 months of new and neutral French oak the tannins are present but velvety smooth.  The wine has a deep garnet color, rich structure and will bottle age with grace and dignity.  Unfined and Unfiltered; the bottle bouquet should be enviable on this one, but will it be around long enough to experience it is the question.  Initially the bouquet offers up smoke alongside dark fruit, Blackberry, menthol with hints of truffle. Like its predecessor It changes over time tending towards fruit and herbs.  The distinct selection of oak is partly to blame.  It continues on to essence of Hawthorne, violets, dark olives, nutmeg and clove.  The mouthfeel is big but soft with a deep long finish.  It begins with rich plum jam and cocoa with hints of licorice, truffle and cedar.  When it opens you get hints of raspberry, red currant, leather, vanilla, all spice with hints of almond.  It’s a wine that continues to change and ebbs and flows on the palate.  The Merlot and Malbec always bring a roundness to this wine that make it almost seem chewy.    I said it last time… you can ask me for a business card or a bottle of 2017 Ricordi.  It’s the same thing!  Its a big wine and needs to breathe to be fully enjoyed.  Patience will reward the connoisseur.