Angullong Fossil Hill Montepulciano 2021

An emerging Italian variety (well, emerging here – over there, they know how good it can be), from this evidence, it would seem that the higher altitude of the Orange region makes for an ideal home. Winemaker Jeff Byrne oversaw fermentation in open fermenters before nine months maturation in older French oak puncheons. Vibrant purple, this is richly flavoured with good ripeness, notes of plums, prunes, chocolate, spices and leather, while maintaining finesse and elegance throughout. This is a really good local example of the variety with very fine tannins, good acidity, balance and length. The wine has a good future, at least five to eight years. Like it a lot.