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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 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...

Fresh berry and citrus notes on the nose, together with leafy aromas. Medium-bodied with a linear start to the palate, followed by a medium build of grainy tannin. A lighter structure this year, but there’s some good...

The 2018 Tenuta Degli Dei is dense, juicy and wonderfully inviting. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather. In the glass, the 2018 is intensely aromatic and...

Lightly spiced pears on the nose and palate. Dense fruit flavors with hints of nut cream and minerals. Plenty of fizz. Drink now.

A blend of 65% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malvasia Nera, the Montepeloso 2022 Eneo shows a lovely combination of forest berry, sweet earth and crushed flowers. The wine does a great job of drawing upon the...

A lean, tightly wound style, boasting cherry, strawberry and eucalyptus flavors, with a hint of tar. Its tannins are prominent for now, yet there's plenty of fruit and freshness in the background. Best from 2027 through...

The Masi Serego Alighieri 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore MontePiazzo (packaged in a heavy glass bottle) is aged in Slavonian oak and cherrywood. The blend of grapes is 70% Covina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara (a...

Raspberry, cherry, rose and mint aromas and flavors highlight this elegant red. Harmonious and bright, with a silky feel and a light dusting of powdery tannins on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2040...

An intense core of black currant and blackberry fruit is framed with violet, mineral and wild herb accents in this firmly structured red. Sleek and balanced, persisting with ample fruit on the extended aftertaste...

A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange...

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...

The nose places tart cherries above a foundation of damp soil, underbrush, old leather and coffee grinds. On the palate, cherries and raspberries ride a wave of citrus into a mocha finish, while polished but powerful...