3 | Wine | Red Blend, $10 to $20, 86 to 90

"The 2009 Torre di Ciardo is Merlot with a dash of Sangiovese aged in cement and used, neutral oak. Dark blue and black fruit, licorice and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from this juicy, full-bodied wine. The 2009 boasts exceptional balance, with polished tannins that round out a gorgeous finish."

"The 2009 Villa Antinori is a pretty, mid-weight wine laced with dark red berries, flowers and sweet spices. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s lovely depth, balance and overall sense of harmony. This is a fabulous wine for the money."

"Flavors of blackberry, candied black currant and kirsch mix with hints of pomegranate, violet and balsamic in this open-knit, creamy red. Medium-bodied, with a lightly juicy finish."

"Deep ruby. Pungent, smoky aromas of dark berry preserves, cherry pit and licorice, with a spicy element building with air. Broad and fleshy, offering velvety cherry and blackcurrant flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. The gripping, gently tannic finish clings with very good tenacity and focus."
Reviewed by: International Wine Cellar - 90 pts.

"This red marries ripe fruit to a firm backbone, offering black cherry and blackberry flavors. A bit jammy and sweet, with vanilla and licorice notes, focused by firm tannins and citrusy acidity."
Reviewed by: Wine Spectator - 90 pts.

"Abundant notes of black currants, black cherries, licorice, flowers, vanillin and spice box are found in the aromas and flavors of this medium to full-bodied, silky, well-endowed wine. Unbelievable!" -Robert Parker

"A glass-coating opaque purple color, it proffers aromas of mineral, underbrush, blueberry, blackberry, and milk chocolate. Velvety-textured and opulent on the palate, it has loads of flavor, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish."

"Deep garnet in color with a touch of purple, the 2009 Pillar Box Red has a bit more Shiraz in the blend (68%) and presents aromas of dried mulberries and plums, anise and powdered cinnamon. Full-bodied, rich and more tannic than the others, it reveals mocha flavors aside a crisp acid line and a long, spicy finish."

"Aromas of underbrush, brier, spice box, lavender, and assorted black fruits leads to a mouth-filling wine with good balance, some complexity, and 1-2 years of aging potential (not that there is any reason to defer gratification)."

"Dark ruby-red. A pungent floral quality lifts the aromas of black cherry, plum, espresso and licorice. Stewed plum and dark currant flavors show a restrained sweetness, with elevated acidity and mounting dry tannins cutting off the finish. In a ripe style but turns a bit dry and alcoholic at the back."

"Boasting dark cherry and berry aromas and flavors, this polished red is vibrant and harmonious. Lingers on the finish, with a tight, fruit- and spice-filled aftertaste."

"The 2011 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche exhibits classic framboise notes, a light, vibrant, florescent pink color, excellent texture and a dry finish." -Robert Parker