Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, mineral, and leather with supporting notes of cured meat and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, five spice, and red cherry. The finish is long and lingering with aggressive tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. This Brunello is drinking well now through 2022. $60 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Barbanera Nero di Troia IGP Puglia 2017
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, cassis, violet, and mineral with supporting notes of cigar box and lavender. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. This lovely southern wine is hedonistically rich with fruit and spice. $15 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Uvario La Loggia Rosso IGP Toscano 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of boysenberry and raspberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, hibiscus flower, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of mineral and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
San Osvaldo Frizzante Raboso IGP Veneto NV
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and hibiscus flower with supporting notes of wild strawberries and blood orange. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of crushed red fruits and mineral. The finish lingers with soft/supple tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a slight bit of fizz and just enough sweetness (balanced by tart fruit) to add body and texture. $15 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
La Gerla Rosso di Montalcino 2015
Brilliant, medium garnet/ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of boysenberry, red cherry, and baking spices with supporting notes of forest floor and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry and earth. The finish is long and lingering with soft tannins. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. The La Gerla Rosso is made from 15 year-old vines on the estate and then aged one year before release (eight months in Slovenian oak). $23 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Cincinnato Raverosse Cori 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry, raspberry, and slate with supporting notes of dried herbs and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry and subtle sweet oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant and juicy texture. Made with a blend of 50% Nero Buono, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Cesanese. Lovely to drink on it's own but it really shines with rich stews, roasted mushrooms, or roasted pork. $15 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Gran Passione Spumante Prosecco DOC NV
Brilliant, light gold/green color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of peach and spring flowers with supporting notes of green apple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of pear and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A fresh and friendly happy hour sipper. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Antinori Villa Anitnori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and baking spices with supporting notes of dried herbs, leather, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and bright spice accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich yet vibrant texture. A charming Chianti with a great future as it will cellar well until 2025 and beyond. If drinking today you will want to employ a decanter. $35 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Inama Soave Classico 2016
Brilliant, light green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green melon, hay, and pear with supporting notes of kiwi and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of white peach, orange peel and blanched almonds. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. If you are seeking a white with guts while being nimble and refreshing this is your wine – 100% Garganega. $15 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Sansilvestro Patres Barolo DOCG 2013
Brilliant, medium scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of plum, leather, and red currant with supporting notes of black cherry, five spice, dried orange peel, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry and earth. The finish lingers with soft tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a dry but supple texture. This Barolo is not going to be a great aging wine but decant it today and enjoy. $35 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
