5 | 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."

"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 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."

"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

"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."

"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

"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."

"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."