1 | Wine | Italy, $20 to $50, 86 or higher

"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 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori is a fleshy, radiant wine graced with expressive dark red fruit. This is a fairly plush style for this bottling, no doubt owing to the personality of the vintage...Tobacco, sweet herbs, licorice and dark red cherries leave a very positive, lasting impression."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is compelling from the very first taste. It boasts fabulous concentration and depth, with just enough tannin and aromatic complexity to balance some of the wine’s more overt leanings. Dark red cherries, flowers, licorice, mint and spices are layered into the big, dramatic finish. Hints of kirsch and rose petals linger in the empty glass. The 2007 is distinguished by an open, Pinot-like bouquet and a voluptuous personality."

Violet shades to the eye, with red orchard fruit on the nose. Dense flavors of fresh strawberries and cherries on the palate, with suggestions of oregano and thyme in the background. Grows fresher and brighter, with a hint of spices emerging with time. Full flavored and persistent, with fine tannins slowly unfurling. Real power and grace in the glass. Pair this one with roasted chicken or pork.
- Binny's Tasting Note

"A dark Nero, packed with layers of baking spice, plum skin, fig paste and maduro tobacco. A modern style, with a long aftertaste of spice and berries."

"This bright red exhibits floral, cherry and tar flavors, with a firm edge of tannins closing the wine down on the finish. An elegant Barbaresco that should fall into place in a few years."

"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 caresses the palate with dark plums, smoke, licorice and spices, all in a soft, seamless style that is ideal for drinking over the next few years. This is a lovely, beautifully balanced wine."

"The 2008 Barbaresco Serra flows with sweet rose petals, cherries, spices and minerals. It shows lovely overall balance and harmony especially in the energetic finish. The Serra is already pretty inviting, but it will be better with a little more bottle age."