1 | Wine | Red Blend, Tuscany | Page 4

"The 2008 Valdisanti impresses for its layered personality, something that was quite difficult to achieve in this vintage. Plums, black cherries, sage, incense and sweet tobacco are some of the many notes that are woven into a soft fabric of notable class. Floral notes add freshness and balance on the finish."

"An attractive plumpness in its tobacco, herbs, earthiness and dried cherries in an accessible juicy style well suited for drinking over the next few years."

"The 2009 Mediterra comes across as round, sensual and polished, which is probably an advantage for a wine like this that is meant to be enjoyed upon release. Sweetly perfumed notes of black cherries, smoke and licorice wrap around the palate in this polished, inviting wine."

"The 2007 Guado al Tasso screams of Bolgheri. Sweet grilled herbs, mocha, spices and black cherry jam are woven into a generous, expansive frame. There is a wonderful sense of richness and warmth to the fruit that carries through to the round harmonious finish, where clean, minerally notes add freshness. This is simply gorgeous today, but it is young, and the oak needs to integrate. Still, it is impossible not to admire the 2007 Guado al Tasso."

"The 2008 Tignanello is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. The 2008 isn’t a huge or obvious Tignanello, rather it is a wine that impresses for its sublime elegance and precision. Understated layers of fruit caress the palate like cashmere in this impeccable, soft wine. There is not a hard edge to be found. Black cherries, tobacco, smoke and licorice are some of the notes that come through on the finish. The flavor profile is decidedly on the dark side, but the wine’s structure is medium in body and intensity. In 2008 the Tignanello has more energy, focus and length than the Solaia. It is a fabulous achievement!"

"The 2008 Guado al Tasso is once again fabulous. In fact, it may be Tuscany’s most improved wine over the last few years. Firm, vibrant tannins support expressive layers of dark fruit, plums, cherries, sage, espresso and mocha. The wine shows fabulous detail and nuance in a translucent, totally seductive style, with tons of focus, drive and verve. It is a striking wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years."

"The 2010 Perlato del Bosco explodes from the glass with the energy and sheer power that is typical of the year. Dark red berries, licorice and smoke are some of the many notes that take shape in the glass. There is a sense of underlying tension here that is palpable, and that gives the wine much of its focus. This is a great vintage for Perlato del Bosco."