1 | Wine | Tuscany, 86 to 90 | Page 5

"This rich, full red's suave texture sets the stage for cherry, leather and underbrush flavors. The tannins match its rugged character, leaving a dusty, mouthcoating impression."

"Bright red. Highly fragrant nose displays herb-accented red berries, sassafras and cola, plus a whiff of cinnamon. Sweet and supple, with easygoing red berry and floral flavors that are pure and lively. This fun, sexy wine goes down like water."

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is a terrific wine for the money. Dark cherries, plums, tobacco, leather and licorice all flow from this juicy, plush Chianti. Layers of fruit meld together nicely through to the pliant, round finish."

"Needs aeration to reveal the rich blackberry and black cherry flavors locked within this muscular red, which is firm and bright, with a mineral finish."

"The 2010 Chianti Colli Senesi is gorgeous in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, flowers, licorice and tobacco are some of the notes that burst from the glass in this juicy yet firm Chianti. All of the qualities of this great Sangiovese vintage come through in a wine that also delivers exceptional value."

"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 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva shows good persistence in a forward, jammy style with good intensity but limited overall complexity"

"Giacomo Mori makes a number of delicious wines, but the straight Chianti is really the stand out. In most vintages it is one of the very finest Italian wines for $20.00. The 2010 Chianti is gorgeous. Sweet red cherries, leather, dried flowers and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this vibrant, perfumed Chianti. Aging in cask and neutral barrels give the Mori’s Chianti tons of vibrancy and freshness to a melange of classic Sangiovese aromas and flavors."

"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."

"The 2011 Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a tasty, value-priced white. There is nothing fussy or complex here, just a good glass of varietally true Vermentino at a price that is within reach of most budgets. This is an excellent choice for by the case house-wine purchases."