1 | Wine | Tuscany, $10 to $20, 2011

"Ruby red. Vibrant and inviting. The Sangiovese based wines of the Chianti Classico regions are characterised by notes of sweet violet, red berries and wild cherries with slightly spicy undertones. The finish reveals hints of aromatic herbs. Fruity and harmonious, the taste reveals velvety tannins and an elegant texture. A long and persistent aftertaste characterizes this wine."

"DaVinci Chianti is a well-balanced wine of medium weight with jammy flavors of ripe plums, cherries and red fruit. It has a deep crimson color and is a lively wine with a soft mineral finish and round tannins that linger in long, peppery finish. This wine pairs perfectly with all starters, pastas and meat dishes."

"Bright straw-yellow. Pure aromas and flavors of lemon and white peach, with a hint of fresh herbs. Spicy and ripe in the mid-palate, then finishes firm and dry, with building tannins. Doesn't have quite the focus for a higher score."

"Deep garnet with violet reflections. Very fruity and intense, with hints of cherry, coffee, vanilla and spice. Full, soft on the palate, complex, well developed."

"Straw yellow in color, the 2011 Villa Antinori Bianco has aromas of pineapple, peach and white flowers. Full and savory in flavor with great aromatic persistence, this is an elegant and classy wine."

"Bright red. Perfumed aromas of red berries and violet, complicated by cinnamon and almond flower. Juicy and bright on the palate, with precise strawberry and redcurrant flavors lifted by lively acidity. Finishes long and fresh, with ripe tannins and lingering floral perfume. Not the last word in complexity or concentration, but an absolutely delicious wine, one of the best Rossos by Avignonesi in some time."

"Fresh citrus and herb aromas. Classically dry and linear, with intense flavors of lemon, quince and fresh herbs carrying through to the long, saline finish. I like this wine's purity and sharply chiseled delivery of aromas and flavors. A standout entry-level vernaccia."

"Fragrantly sweet, floral aromas of red berries and sweet spices. Fresh and clean in the mouth, with mouthwatering, mineral-driven red fruit flavors. The youthfully chewy tannins are perhaps a tad drying, but this is nonetheless one of the better young Barco Reales I've tried. Another year in the bottle may help it develop more flesh and volume."