Macchiarossa 2003, probably montepulciano, Molise Rosso DOC, Italy ($19.99)

Picked this up from Enoteca on Lygon Street. I was waiting for this to be almost undrinkably robust, and was quite surprised by how this was really fairly smooth. The dominant aroma is that of cigar box. I found the mouthfeel inoffensive but slightly weak across the palate so it didn't fully deliver in all departments. The flavour set made it a nice departure from the Aussie wines.