The 2005 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is further along its evolutionary track. The wine presents tones of dried fruit, dark spice, licorice, smoked bacon and dry earth. The aging process has taken this wine down a path of elegance, refinement and sophistication. In the mouth, it presents a thick framework with softness and roundness. You get flavors of dark cherry, plum and prune. The wine's fruit identity is more intact on the palate despite this bottle's ten years of age. It should age forward safely for five more years. 91/100 (09.2015) - Wine Advocate