Flavors of cherry, plum, anise and leather with some chocolate and metallic notes. High acid and smooth tannins, this wine is wonderful now, but could also sit for 4-5 years. It will pair nicely with venison, lamb, beef, or mushrooms. Lunardo’s Vino Nobile is made from 100% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) grapes. It is aged for two years, one in oak. This is a good low cost entry if you’re looking to explore the generally more expensive Brunello di Montalcino wines. 90 Points

The nose of tar, rose petals and dried cherries leads to a taste that is filled with bright red fruits and smooth tannins. Nirvasco will pair well with game, truffles and well aged cheeses. This wine will need some time to draw down the intense acidity; leave this in the cellar until 2023. It should last well for another 10 years. Bersano uses 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown on the right bank of the Tanaro River. It is aged for three years, two in oak. 91 Points

Orange, chocolate, burnt caramel, and apricot lead to flavors of strawberry and apricot. The wine is very sweet with the acids having mellowed over time. The flavor matches the color, which is reminiscent of orange blossom honey. Vin Santo is traditionally paired with biscotti and other hard italian semi-sweet cookies. It would also do well with a nutty cheese. The 2009 is right in a good spot for drinking now. The wine is a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia Nera, and Sangiovese grapes. 89 Points

Strawberries, peaches, slate, and floral notes, fresh and light. The acids are well balanced, and the wine is nice and dry. The floral notes linger for a long time at the finish. This sparkling rosé from Provence is well suited as a patio sipping wine or with a light salad such as a caprese. 87 Points

Plums, berries and vanilla. Medium acids are smoothed from the oak flavors. This wine will go well with grilled meats and definitely with olives. Use this as an adventurous substitute when you’re looking for a Pinot Noir. Winery Citluk is in the Mostar region of Bosnia, near the Adriatic caoast, and this wine is 100% Blatina grapes. 91 Points

Maraschino, leather, and berries, along with chocolate. The higher alcohol in this wine levels the acidity and the tannins are smooth. Overall the wine is well balanced and long. This wine would do well with pork, oil-based pasta dishes or charcuterie. The wine is from the Chianti region of Tuscany and is 75% Sangiovese with the other 25% a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero. It’s a high value wine for the style. 90 Points

Ripe red berries, wet socks, gravel and leather with a bit of baking spice at the very end. This baby amarone has balanced acids, plenty of structure, and smooth tannins. A great match for holidays with a rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, or slow-cooked short ribs. The grapes in this wine are primarily Corvina with some Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina, Oseleta blended. 93 Points