($90, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  The bottles were opened at least a dozen yards away, but the aromas of apricots and nuts stopped all conversation as people looked for the source of the wondrous aromas.  Vin Santo is a curious wine, this one especially. … Read more

($62, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  This youthful treasure is a single vineyard Sangiovese named after Ugo Contini Bonacossi, the force behind the modern Capezzana estate who sadly passed away in 2013.  The production is small, fewer than 3,000 bottles a year, because only the best grapes from this vineyard that Ugo loved go into the wine. … Read more

($66, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  Capezzana produces their Trefiano Riserva, a blend of Sangiovese (80%) with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, only in the best years.  The stunning 2018, a big wine, to be sure, is balanced by spicy, savory notes and an incredible freshness. … Read more

($17, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants):  There is Prosecco and then there is the huge step up to Prosecco from the hilly Valdobbiadene – Conegliano region.  Of course, it’s a mouthful to pronounce, but it’s worth remembering the distinction when buying Prosecco. … Read more

($48):  Castello di Ama is known for spectacular Chianti Classico.  But Pinot Nero?  Isn’t it too warm in Chianti Classico to grow Pinot Nero?  Apparently not, judging from this energetic beauty.  The expressive aromatics and savory notes suggest the Pinot Nero must be planted in a cool site. … Read more

($22):  The 2020 vintage in Chianti Classico generally produced rich satisfying wines.  Badia a Coltibuono’s certainly fits that mold with dark, but not black, cherry nuances.  It has great concentration but more importantly, gorgeous balancing acidity that gives this mid-weight wine enormous energy. … Read more

($45):  An electric tension between fruit and firmness energizes this mid-weight wine.  Made entirely from Sangiovese, this elegant and sculpted Chianti Classico has a bit of everything, floral aromatics, a steady frame, and a suave texture.  Black cherry-like notes add charm to the finish. … Read more

($32, Taub Family Selections):  Regulations for the Sardegna Alghero Rosso DOC allow the inclusion of any Sardinian red grapes except for aromatic ones.  Sella & Mosca use a seamless, fifty-fifty blend of Cannonau and Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve this beauty.  Juicy black fruit enrobed with fine tannins make this suave, muscular wine a pleasure to drink now. … Read more

($60, Taub Family Selections):  This big but not boisterous wine shows that Sella & Mosca is equally capable with the so-called international grapes as with local ones.  Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, the Marchese di Villamarina delivers succulent black fruit, plenty of savory notes all wrapped in firm, not hard, tannins. … Read more

($17, Taub Family Selections):  Sella & Mosca, despite their size — the largest estate on Sardinia — makes excellent wines.  This juicy mid-weight Cannonau, the local name for Grenache, delivers crunchy red fruit combined with a hint of spice.  Not a fruit bomb by any means, it actually has an engaging hint of bitterness in its long finish. … Read more

($28):  Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s emblematic grape, produces wines that vary and light and fruity to more substantial and robust.  Put this one in the latter category.  Earthy notes support dark fruit character.  Fine tannins lends support and balance so it doesn’t come across as a “fruity” wine, although there is no lack of black fruitiness. … Read more

($60, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  Ghiaie della Furba, a Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah from Capezzana, Carmignano’s top producer, is a robust wine when young.  Even at eight years of age, this tightly wound beauty reveals its glories slowly as it sits in the glass. … Read more

($31, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  Carmignano, Tuscany’s smallest DOCG, is unique because it requires the use of Cabernet, either Sauvignon or Franc, in the blend with Sangiovese. Capezzana makes the benchmark Carmignano.  Their 2016, from a spectacular vintage and still widely available retail, is a great introduction to the DOCG. … Read more

($28):  Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s emblematic grape, produces wines that vary and light and fruity to more substantial and robust.  Put this one in the latter category.  Earthy notes support dark fruit character.  Fine tannins lends support and balance so it doesn’t come across as a “fruity” wine, although there is no lack of black fruitiness. … Read more

($35):  Light and fresh, Le Cesolina is just what you want with Valpolicella.  Don’t misinterpret the light and fresh moniker to mean vapid.  Not at all.  Though this juicy red wine weighs in at a mere 12.5 percent stated alcohol, it delivers plenty of enjoyment with juicy red cherry-like flavors. … Read more

($15, Gonzalez Byass USA):  When you run across a wine at this price that’s this enjoyable, it makes you smile.  This bright and juicy mid-weight wine has an engaging mix of red fruits accented by a hint of spice.  Mild tannins allow immediate enjoyment.… Read more

($19, SM USA):  In my opinion, CampoFiorin was Masi’s greatest gift to the world of wine.  Basically, Masi created a wine with more oomph and character than Valpolicella, but without the weight and massive profile of Amarone.  In short, a mini-Amarone that’s approachable now. … Read more

($61, SM USA):  Masi’s Costasera Amarone is a big — 15 percent stated alcohol — bold, wintertime wine.  Amarone is made using only dried grapes, in contrast to their CampoFiorin, which leads to a higher finished alcohol and more power.  There is a hint of sweetness in the finish that balances the wine’s intensity. … Read more