4 | Wine | 86 to 90, 2011 | Page 3

"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 faint lactic note on the nose, along with grapefruit, flowers and spearmint. Good cut to its grapefruit and mineral flavors. Finishes fresh and firm."

"Fresh lime and orange zest aromas are lifted by talc and mint notes. Taut citrus and green apple flavors pick up a gingery nuance with air and show an intense mineral character. Textbook nervy, focused verdejo, finishing with very good precision and spicy persistence."

"Attractive floral, plum and raspberry aromas are elegant and complex, offering a spicy, juicy edge and ending with supple tannins."

"Fresh and soft, this brims with spicy pineapple and floral flavors, finishing with mild sweetness."

"Pale gold. Powerful scents of pineapple, mango and white flowers, with a chalky overtone. Supple and round in the mouth, offering juicy tropical fruit flavors and a bracing note of lemon zest. The floral note comes back on the long, broad finish."

"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."

"Inky ruby. Spice-accented aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits and cola, with notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, with a spicy note building with air. Intense licorice, blackcurrant and bitter cherry notes linger on the spicy, youthfully tannic finish. Outstanding value here; there are very few all-graciano Riojas made, and they all cost a lot more than this one."

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

"Light and fruity, with floral and red berry flavors dancing exuberantly, like a young Beaujolais. Finishes with polish."