Wine review: 2004 Argiano Solengo

I had this stellar red wine, the 2004 Argiano Solengo, about 4 months ago. The bottle was waiting, empty, in the wine rack, for me to either blog about or buy more. I’m going to do both.

At the time, I got the wine for a reasonable price. Now it’s nearing theoretical full maturity, so its pricing is rising. Nonetheless, even at $85 or $100, it may be a good deal. You won’t find it for less than $300 now in a restaurant, and $500 by 2012 when it’s fully mature.
As for an actual description, I’ll defer to the Wine Enthusiast:

The 2004 Solengo presents gorgeous aromatics followed by super-ripe dark fruit, crushed flowers, herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak that flow from its opulent, full-bodied frame. Showing superb concentration, the wine is supported by an attractive note of underlying minerality that provides balance as well as a sense of proportion. It offers outstanding length, a silky-textured personality and ripe, sweet tannins on the finish in a rare display that marries power with elegance. It will be tempting to drink this early, but a few years of cellaring will give the wine an opportunity to express the fullest range of its potential.