1 | Wine | Other Red, Italy, 91 to 95

"Layers of smoke, grilled herbs, menthol and minerals are overlayed on a core of black fruit. The Ramitello shows serious power and intensity all the way through to the palate staining finish. Floral notes add lift and freshness on the close."

"A gorgeous entry-level wine, the 2011 Etna Rosso is remarkably balanced and poised. Sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice, fennel and herbs emerge form this utterly gracious and compelling red. This is a great showing from the Rosso. The wine’s depth, balance and harmony are first-class all the way. Based on this showing, I can hardly wait to taste the other wines in the range!"

"The 2007 Taurasi Radici boasts stunning richness, depth and power, yet remains relatively accessible and approachable for such a young Taurasi. Juicy dark cherries, cinnamon, plums, spices, incense, tobacco and a myriad of aromas and flavors saturate the palate as this big, textured wine opens up in the glass. Despite its considerable richness and plushness, the 2007 never loses its classical sense of structure. If that combination sounds appealing, believe me, it is. This is a flat-out stunner from Mastroberardino. Best of all, it will drink beautifully pretty much right out of the gate."

"Deep purple-tinged ruby. Grapey, deep aromas of stewed plum, raisin, date and cocoa explode from the glass. Rich, smooth and very dense, with wonderfully tactile flavors similar to the aromas. This very pure Amarone finishes creamy-sweet but fresh, thanks to sound acidity. An extremely successful entry-level Amarone made from grapes that were air-dried for roughly four months."

"The 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is flat-out gorgeous. The 2004 is a superb, elegant Amarone graced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, tobacco and spices, all supported by finessed, silky tannins. Sweet roses, tar and licorice are woven into the layered, sublime finish. Deceptively medium in body, the 2004 has the stuffing to age well for decades. This is a terrific showing from Bertani."

"The 1999 Taurasi Radici Riserva is simply beautiful. Sweet dried cherries, licorice, menthol and spices waft from the glass. Made in an elegant style, this complex Riserva shows some of the slightly advanced and oxidized flavors one might reasonably expect from 10 year-old wine, yet the balance is utterly compelling. The finish is long, sweet and ethereal, as pretty suggestions of mint come back to frame the wine beautifully."

"The 2006 Taurasi Radici hits the palate with masses of blueberries, black berries, flowers and spices. The 2006 is a big, explosive wine in need of considerable cellaring. That said, it is remarkably accessible for a young Taurasi from this historic property. Layers of fruit continue to build towards the exotic, concentrated finish. This is a marvelous wine in the making."

"The 2010 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana is a lovely introduction to the vintage at Terre Nere. Pine, menthol, red cherries and wild flowers all take shape in the glass. Firm tannins provide the backbone in this finely sculpted, chiseled Nerello Mascalese. Savory notes reappear to frame the bright, high-toned finish. If opened today, the 2010 will benefit from a few hours of air."