3 | Wine | Red Blend, $10 to $20, 750 ml

"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."

"It is a gorgeous wine, and clearly in the alluring Sarah’s Blend style, the style that has made Sarah’s Blend the most coveted of the MP wines."

"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."

"It has a mellow bouquet of dried herbs, terracotta tiles and dusky black fruit that is very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin: tart red berried fruit, laced with tobacco and dried herbs on the dry, crisp finish. This is a superb classical Rioja Crianza."

"Glass-staining purple. An expressive, heady bouquet gives out candied red fruits, potpourri and Asian spices, with a smoky nuance gaining power in the glass. Rich but lively, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and notes of allspice and star anise. Sweet and silky on a finish that keeps on with impressive tenacity and spiciness. This wine always delivers outstanding value."