2003 Dei Sancta Catharina Toscana IGT 13.0%
I always open European 03s with some trepidation, though they seem to mature earlier and sometimes never close down, making them attractive when many 02s, 01s and 00s are still tight-lipped. This is a super Tuscan blend of Prugnolo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Attractive plum, leather and chocolate aromas (Marcia gets some iodine too). Surprisingly high acidity at first, comes into excellent acid/sweet balance with food. Medium tannins, quite astringent. Alcohol well integrated. Good weight, strong, but not excessive. Still several years away from maturity.
It's a bit of a sweeping generalization, but Italian wines tend to be more acidic than French, so there may be less to fear, in general, from Italian 03s.