1 | Wine | Tuscany, $20 to $50, 86 to 90

"The 2006 Guidaccio is another compelling wine from this great Tuscan vintage. Today the 2006 is very youthful and firm, but over time the inner sweetness of the dark fruit gradually appears. Clean, mineral notes confer elements of vibrancy and energy that bode very well for the future."

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva boasts considerable richness in its powerful, dense fruit. Over the last few years the estate has eliminated new oak barrels, and what comes through most in the 2009 is a generous, pliant personality that is quite appealing. Super ripe red cherries burst from the expressive finish."

"The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows plenty of depth in its dark fruit, leather, anise, incense and tobacco. This is a fairly rich style of Vino Nobile, and while there are some rough edges, the 2009 will drink well if paired with similarly hearty dishes."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is a big, full-bodied wine redolent of black cherries, game, licorice, tar and smoke. Floral notes develop in the glass, adding lift and polish to the deep, concentrated fruit."

"The 2010 Guidalberto comes across as cool and inward in this vintage. Most recent Guidalbertos have been delicious upon release, but this is a wine that will need another year or two before it starts opening up. There is plenty of energy and vitality in the glass, but readers will need to be patient. Dark red cherries, flowers, licorice and a hint of tobacco are layered into the firm, structured finish."

"The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino shows the muscle and depth of Castelnuovo in its richness and power. Layers of dark red fruit wrap around the palate in this plush, inviting Rosso."

"This has grip and fine Sangiovese character, evoking bitter cherry, tobacco, leather and spice flavors. A harmonious wine, lingering with an aftertaste of tobacco and mineral."

"Purple ruby. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry and spicy underbrush. Sweet, layered and lush, with cassis and Oriental spice flavors lifted by zingy peppery quality. Really builds on the back end. This is a very impressive entry-level wine: splurge on a bottle for a high-end BBQ."

"The estate’s 2008 Il Nero di Casanova (Sangiovese) presents an intriguing profile of dark cherries, leather, licorice and tobacco, all of which come together in a medium-bodied, relatively delicate frame that is typical of Sangiovese. The Nero shows lovely inner sweetness and perfume through to the long finish."

"The 2009 Greppicante ratchets up the intensity of fruit in a round, seamless style laced with dark fruit, mocha, spices and French oak. Elements of slight over-ripeness come through on the finish."