Illuminati 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Zanna Riserva 750ml

Darkly alluring with a purplish hue, the 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna comes to life slowly in the glass, as a mix of blackberries and currants are complemented by nuances of mint, chalk dust and exotic spice. This washes across the palate like pure silk with mineral-tinged red berries and mentholated herbal tones toward the close. A coating of fine-grained tannins saturate, creating a youthfully structured feel, aided by a bump of residual acidity that maintains balance. The 2017 Zanna may not have the depth of the best years, yet it is a good effort from this torrid vintage. Give it another year of cellaring for the best effect.

Score: 90 points -- Eric Guido, Vinous, 2022