2008 Kurni

Oasi degli Angeli is one of Italy's most ambitious wineries. Over the years proprietors Eleonora Rossi and Marco Casolanetti have fashioned some of the country's most fascinating reds. Prices have climbed along the way, culminating with the release of a new wine, Kupra, last year at an eye-popping $350 a bottle. Understandably, no one wants to be underpaid for the results of their hard work, but such a pricing strategy creates a very high bar with no safety net. When a difficult vintage like 2008 comes along, well, the results can be devastating. I sincerely hope these new releases from Oasi degli Angeli represent a temporary setback, and that the winery will be able to return to their customary high level of quality in the very near future.