Wine Enthusiast: 94 pts
The nose is sophisticated and almost melancholic, yet still warm, with aromas of leather, rust, oregano, dried cherries and orange zest. On the palate, the textured cherry and orange elements are underscored by emergent dried cranberry and dark chocolate notes. Firm tannins channel a stream of chili pepper that becomes a flood on the finish.
Vinous: 94 pts
Like cracking open an ashen stone to find a bevy of incense, dried herbs, wild blueberries and smoke, the 2019 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Daginestra makes itself known. Its soft and soothing on the palate with a racy acidity that elevates its chalky mineral tones as ripe wildberry fruits echo throughout. The 2019 takes on a distinctly savory, almost salty edge through the finish. Residual acids keep the mouth watering, and grippy tannins grumble with slowly fading lavender and mint notes. This wonderfully complex and complete Daginestra should mature beautifully over the next decade or more.