The 2009 Torre Saracena Riserva Salice Salentino, composed of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera which were aged in oak for 10 months, has intense aromas of dark chocolate, toasted/smoked wood and clove on the nose and cherry and wood on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; with tart acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15-30 min) and a long finish. This is a food friendly wine though I would recommend sipping it (if you can handle the acidity); drink now to 2018 (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts – recommended for its value (bin end product - $2 off). Tasted in Sep/14.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

Nov - 14
This was far better than I expected from the reviews. Very dry with integrated wood and cherry flavours and various herbs on the nose. Loved it with pasta in a red sauce with meat and wild mushrooms. I will cellar the second bottle for a bit longer yet, it has legs.