Quintarelli Alzero Cabernet 2004 750mL

"The 2004 Alzero is incredibly finessed from the very first taste. What a wine. Mocha, white truffles, black cherries, bittersweet chocolate, plums, spices, licorice and melted road tar all wrap around the palate in a super-refined, polished wine of the high level. The 2004 isn't a huge Alzero, instead it relies on silkiness, and a sense of total elegance. This heady, exotic, total turn-on of a wine should offer a wide drinking window of pure pleasure. Since 1997, Quintarelli has moved to make Alzero in a bit less opulent style than some previous editions, which I admit I have mixed feelings about. I have no reservations about the 2004, though. It is magnificent. - Vinous, AG97, tasted 3/2014