The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Il Sigillo is a beast. It slowly opens in the glass, at first peppery and herbal, focused on earth tones and hints of musk. With time, a more perfumed mix comes to the fore, as nuances of mint give way to tart cherry, incense and smoke. Within, I’m finding texturally elegant waves of dark red and black fruits, washing across the senses with prominence, boasting full-bodied heft, yet expertly balanced by a vibrant core of acidity. There are depths here yet unseen, as a kaleidoscopic mix of dark chocolate, licorice, and cloves battle for supremacy against a coating of fine tannins throughout the finale. The 2015 is just a baby today, yet full of potential. Il Sigillo is made through a partial drying of late harvested grapes, similar to Amarone. It’s refined for 24 months in a combination of barriques and tonneaux.
94 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Sep 2022)
Dark and creamy, with chocolate-covered cherry flavors, accents of dried rosemary, spiced orange peel and a base note of minerally iron and smoke. Delivers dense, plush tannins, which are wrapped in the juicy flavor profile and emerge to firm the finish. Drink now through 2028. 750 cases made, 150 cases imported.
93 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Jul 2023)