Shows good varietal character, with saturated blackberry, violet, ink and smoked bacon aromas and flavors. Well-structured yet harmonious and really sings on the lingering aftertaste. Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc...

The most impressive aspect of the Castello della Sala ethos is its ability to reinvent itself. This latest edition of Umbria's headline white is a true delight. Renzo Cotarella and his team have created an Italian...

A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the Tenuta degli Dei 2022 Cavalli is a rich and pleasurable expression with velvety intensity and plenty of black fruit. This richly textured...

Cherry, raspberry, leather, earth and tobacco flavors converge in this broad, savory red. Tightens up, with the sinewy tannins leaving their mark on the finish. The fruit returns, so give this a little time. Sangiovese...

Also from Rio Sordo, the 2020 Barbaresco Rio Sordo displays a sllightly deeper ruby color and has a sunnier feel, although it remains red-fruited and bright, with notes of ripe raspberries, candied roses, tea leaf...

The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is entirely Sangiovese from Radda and was raised for two years in oak casks. It opens to a polished yet pure profile with aromas of lavender, grenadine, sweet sage, and fresh leather. It...

Mint, orange and medicinal herb aromas and flavors define this succulent red, with accents of red berry fruit and earth lurking in the background. Starts out fluid but tightens up, with a broad swath of tannins gripping...

The nose presents aromas of bing cherries, strawberries, wild fennel and wild mint above a foundation of damp earth. Raspberries join more cherries and strawberries on a juicy, warm palate, but chalky, chewy tannins...

Ripe and rich, this red delivers plum, black cherry and iron flavors. There are dense tannins for a Barbera, leaving a mix of fruit and earth on the fresh finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,150 cases made, 270 cases imported.

Syrah and Petit Verdot shape the 2022 Romitorio, a dark, polished Toscana Rosso with generous aromas of lavender, blackberry, fresh plum, olive, and crushed herbs. The palate is full-bodied and supple, with silky tannins...

The 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Il Bugiardo displays an inviting mix of blackberries, sage, roses, chalk dust and hints of camphor. This is full-bodied with depths of silky textures and a dense core of...

This is focused, with a vivid structure driving the cherry, leather, spice and earth flavors. Dusty tannins follow up, while this remains fresh on the lingering finish. Best from 2020 through 2033. — B.S.

Mellowing and ready to enjoy, this Barbera exudes cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Its bright acidity engages the palate, while a pleasant astringency cleanses the tart finish. Drink now through 2029.

Enticing red fruit flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose are the highlights of this taut red, shaded by iron, mint and tobacco notes, with terrific harmony and a lingering, chalky finish. Everything is in the right...

The 2023 Volpolo di Sapaio, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 15% Petit Verdot, pours a deep purple hue and is immediately appealing, with aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, lavender, and Mediterranean...

This red is supple in texture, evoking cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral flavors. There's also a distinctive salty taste and fine viscosity on the palate. This is balanced, with a judicious layer of tannins framing...

A spiced and savory red with chalky tannins and vibrant fruit character. Smooth and dusty on the dry, medium-bodied palate, with red berry, citrus peel and dried herb nuances. I like the zesty and minerally complexity...

The straight Pieropan Soave Classico is one of the absolute best values in the entire wine world and the fantastic 2025 even brings it up a notch, starting with intense aromas of white spring flower, exotic fruit, citrus...

Notable for its purity, this red boasts cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Solidly built, with lively acidity and raspy tannins that grip the finish. Tobacco and iron notes grace the aftertaste...

The Fattoria le Pupille 2022 Morellino di Scansano Riserva is primarily Sangiovese with a small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon that adds concentration and draws the wine toward a black-fruit spectrum while reflecting the...

Marvelously savory and intensely saline, the structure and substance of this white really stand out, even in a crowded field. In the case of the Idda wines I think I might prefer their red, but wow is it a competition...

A jeweled ruby red color, the 2021 Barolo is expressive on the nose with notes of polished leather, ripe cherries, fresh herbs, and mossy earth. The structure is quite appealing, with mouthwatering, ripe acidity, sweet...

This wine displays depth and polish, revealing freshness and focus with a core of vivid red and dark fruits layered with wild herbs, violets, spices and hints of cedar and graphite. It’s firm and crunchy yet bright and...

This captivating Barbaresco entices with gentle aromas of sour cherry, wild herbs, roses, savory spices and anise. Its elegance shines through crystalline fruit, balanced by savory and earthy tones. Fine tannins and fresh...

The nose is bright and crunchy with berry aromas of wild cherry, wild strawberry, potting soil, terracotta, orange zest and tea leaf. Sweet strawberries and raspberries headline the palate alongside red plums and more...

Gentle aromas of creamy pears, Fuji apples, acacia and millefiore honey entice the senses. The rounded palate surprises with a lively acidity, crisp green apples, roasted almonds and sea salt flavors, then with...

Here's a beauty that shows why Friulano is Friuli's pride and joy. The nose weaves together baked and dried apricots with chestnut honey and gentle pressed chamomile flowers. On the palate, it's like nature's stone fruit...

The 2023 Saffredi is an elegant, polished wine. Macerated cherry, mocha, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, blackberry and tobacco fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2023 is not quite as explosive as some recent vintages...