4 | Wine | Italy, 86 to 90, 2011

"Notes of blackberry and black cherry are accented by tobacco and spice in this concentrated red, which is fresh and lively, with a firm finish."

"Bright light red. Enticing aromas of red cherry, cinnamon, flowers and licorice. Juicy and vibrant in the mouth, with harmonious acidity framing the red fruit, spice and floral flavors. Finishes long and crisp. Great entry-level wine."

"A delicious, entry-level offering, the 2011 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigne Nuove is fabulous. Juicy red cherries, flowers, mint and tobacco jump from the glass as this unoaked Montepulciano shows off its considerable juiciness and sheer appeal."

"Rich and smoky, with intense black cherry, cedar, spice and subtle resin flavors. Balanced and resonant on the lingering finish."

"Bright straw-yellow. Pure aromas and flavors of lemon and white peach, with a hint of fresh herbs. Spicy and ripe in the mid-palate, then finishes firm and dry, with building tannins. Doesn't have quite the focus for a higher score."

"This crisp white offers lemon pulp, Anjou pear and cream notes on a light, minerally frame that lingers on with an aftertaste of spice."

"Bright red. Perfumed aromas of red berries and violet, complicated by cinnamon and almond flower. Juicy and bright on the palate, with precise strawberry and redcurrant flavors lifted by lively acidity. Finishes long and fresh, with ripe tannins and lingering floral perfume. Not the last word in complexity or concentration, but an absolutely delicious wine, one of the best Rossos by Avignonesi in some time."

"Fresh citrus and herb aromas. Classically dry and linear, with intense flavors of lemon, quince and fresh herbs carrying through to the long, saline finish. I like this wine's purity and sharply chiseled delivery of aromas and flavors. A standout entry-level vernaccia."

"Bright and juicy, this red shows cherry, blackberry and a touch of bitter almond. Mouthwatering, with moderate length."

"The 2011 Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra impresses for its energy and pure focus. Smoke, slate, crushed rocks and pears are all layered together in a gorgeous, medium-bodied white. All the elements meld together beautifully in this striking, delineated white. There is an understated intensity on the finish that is hugely appealing. The Loggia della Sera is the most complete and harmonious of Terredora’s 2011 whites."