Taurasi, one of Italy’s most admired and well-known red wines, is derived from the late-ripening Aglianco, a variety that has been cultivated in southern Italy for over 2,000 years. Taurasi is known for its capacity to age, as well as powerful structure and aromatic concentration.

Mastroberardino’s single vineyard Radici Taurasi made its debut in 1986. Named Radici as a reference to the family’s 300-year winemaking history. It is aged for 24 months in oak barrels and barriques, then rests 12 months in the bottle before release.

Radici Taurasi is a medium to full body wine. Not very compelling on the nose, actually a bit flat. In the mouth it displays some cherry, plum and licorice with a little strawberry jam and minerality. Solid acidity and finish. I liked this wine a lot, though I would not go as far with my praise as the Wine Enthusiast review.

I am updating this entry the day after I opened this wine. I actually think this wine is showing better today than it did last night, so I guess there is something to its reputation for aging potential. It’s much more open and approachable — fruit seems to be a bit more prominent — still don’t get much on the nose — but this is a really beautiful wine.

Wine Enthusiast (92 points)

This is among Campania’s best reds. The aromatic intensity and persistency is stratospheric and the wine doles out generous notes of red cherry, charred volcanic tones and licorice. It’s also a wine that evolves, limitlessly, in the glass, gaining intensity and purity the longer you wait. The tannins are sold and chewy and the duration of the length is excellent.

Wine Spectator (91 points)

Balanced, with licorice, vanilla, berry and mineral character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, silky and very long. Caresses every inch of your palate. Drink now through 2012. 7,100 cases made.