2007 Solosole Vermentino Poggio AL Tesoro Toscano (Italy) – Vermentino grape“Apples and cream on the nose, with hints of lime. Medium-bodied, with plenty of flavor and a lively “finish. A delicious and vivid white.” Rated 87 by Wine Spectator
2008 Bastianich Friulano Coli Orientale del Friuli (Italy) – Tocai Friulano grape
“The 2008 Friulano is a fresh, perfumed white with attractive varietal aromas and flavors and a clean, refined finish.” Rated 87 by The Wine Advocate
2008 Avanti Pinot Noir Delle Venezia (Italy) – Pinot Noir grape
“Very good saturation; blackish ruby. An open nose; ripe black cherry/blackberry aroma has some good Pinot Noir characteristics, with a plump and tender feel, good freshness, and a light mint/floral in the background. Very nice indeed. The palate is much the same, with the dark fruit blended more into the minerally/dark chocolate background. Tasty! Medium-good body, smooth and almost creamy, with polished tannins, and modest acidity. A very pleasant Pinot Noir with an easy-going charm. It’s a red wine you could match with “white wine” foods such as roasted or grilled chicken.” BLM Wine & Spirits
2007 Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Italy) – Montepulciano grape
“Very dark garnet, showing flashes of reddish-purple against the light. Pleasant black-cherry and spice aromas, typical of the Montepulciano grape, are reflected in its tart, sour-cherry flavor shaped by tangy lemon-squirt acidity. Simple but nicely balanced, great with food.” winesandmakers.com
2006 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre Veronese (Italy) – 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella & 5% Sangiovese
“The 2006 Palazzo della Torre comes across as somewhat restrained for this wine. This is a very polished, elegant Palazzo della Torre with pretty layers of mocha, spices and new leather that add complexity to the fresh, vibrant fruit. Palazzo della Torre is 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. The addition of 30% dried fruit (Amarone style) adds an extra dimension of complexity. The retro 1970′s label is also quite attractive.” Rated 90 by The Wine Advocate