2008 Mastroberardino, Taurasi Riserva, Radici, Antonio (RT96+) Pulled from my cellar, this was the first bottle of a sixpack acquired on release. This bottling is a tribute to Piero Mastroberardino’s father Antonio. At age 12 this remains a youthful Taurasi Riserva, yet the profound magnificence of this bottling is already showing itself in spades. Sourced from grapes grown in the Montemerano vineyard at 500 meters elevation, this wine displays amazing finesse and delicacy as notes of sweet morello cherry, rosada plums, dried red raspberry, cured meats, and hints of ash. The overall bouquet embodies masterful winemaking with its delicacy. The palate is equally delicate, dare I characterize it as Burgundian, with layers of ripe, subtle fruit, beautiful fresh acidity, and ultra-sweet, ripe tannins. This is not a bruising, power-driven Taurasi, rather one of the most virtuoso elegance. Drink now-2038+
I’ve followed Taurasi for decades and have had Mastroberardino’s back to the legendary 1968 Riservas. This is undoubtedly the finest, most finesse-driven Taurasi I’ve ever tasted. With proper cellaring this should move into the 97-98 point range.
