One of Tuscany's breakthrough Syrah efforts is Fontodi's 1997 Syrah (1,000 cases). It offers textbook peppery, blackberry notes, low acidity (particularly for an Italian wine), deep, chewy, unctuously-textured fruit, full body, and a chunky, husky finish. It should drink well for 8-10 years.
Importer: Dominic Nocerino, Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907