4 | Wine | Red Blend, 86 to 90

"Fresh and lively, this red is juicy with berry flavors that show and a tinge of oatmeal. Finishes on a savory note."

"Gentle, silky and appealing for its warm red berry, cherry and herb flavors. Cocoa overtones enliven the finish."

"The 2006 Guidaccio is another compelling wine from this great Tuscan vintage. Today the 2006 is very youthful and firm, but over time the inner sweetness of the dark fruit gradually appears. Clean, mineral notes confer elements of vibrancy and energy that bode very well for the future."

"Saturated ruby. Smoky, spice-accented aromas of cherry, cassis and anise, with a subtle mineral quality in the background. Pliant and expansive, offering deep dark fruit flavors and showing a creamy texture. Sweet and penetrating on a youthfully tannic finish with distinct licorice and cherry notes."

"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."

"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."

"Copious amounts of rich raspberry, black cherry and currant fruit. Medium-bodied and ripe with good glycerin, purity, texture and balance, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

"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