2003 Ventana Vineyards Due Amici, Monterey, Arroyo Seco.

SENSORY ASSESSMENT:

This is a ruby-red wine. The nose starts with good amounts of cherry and currants followed by light notes of mocha, vanilla and cedar. Distinct oak notes are present. The palate is built around cherry and currant with new oak tones. A savory, salty minerality is present. Nice acidity and supple tannins make for a upper medium bodied wine with a silky smooth mouthfeel. The medium length finish shows cherry with just a hint of orange and floral and oak hues ending on a mineral note.

OPINION: 

The 2003 Due Amici, like its predecessors, walks and talks like a newer oak-aged, Cabernet-dominant-blend. This Super Tuscan has the terroir of Arroyo Seco stamped stamped all over it but to a lesser extent than the '03 Syrah but more than the recent Pinot Noirs. Expect the Cab to soften with time but so will the Sangiovese. This wine will evolve and change character like a graceful, slow dancer through at least 2015.

BOTTOM LINE:

Fairly good. No flaws.

Worth Trying.