This was the third wine in our lineup and the crowd was excited for this Montepulciano from Abruzzo on the eastern shores of Italy.  It was deep ruby with medium viscosity and slight staining on the walls (14.5% ABV).  On the nose the tasters got cherry, dust, must, cigar, damp cave- which blew away to reveal black olive tapenade, earth and a gamey hint- really red fruit driven with the earthy inflections.  The palate was dry with medium (+) acidity, medium (+) tannins and a medium (+) body.  Flavors of cherry, pepper, smoke, and a slight bitterness that led to a black tea mid-palate following through to a medium (-) finish.  Overall it was a decent drop that got 16 points and 91 technical points.  For $23 it gets 5 stars, pair with pasta (duh) and drink till 2028.  Salut….