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wine from one of the less-well-known regions in Tuscany , this sangiovese riserva provides plenty of quality . Aging in large casks allows the dark , rich fruit to shine , with a touch of added structure . An excellent intro to the wines of this region . ($ 55 )
( 95 ) La Cana Albariño Galicia Rias Baixas 2020 ( Spain ). This is an eye-opening expression of a grape that we all should drink more of . Notes of sur-lie aging give this wine great body . Fresh flavors of fruit , with a faint ocean salinity . ($ 16 )
( 95 ) Vina Alberdi Reserva 2016 ( Spain ). Another smashing red from the 2016 vintage . A mix of vanilla , cocoa and tobacco , with lush tannins and oak that does not overwhelm the palate . Throw in a touch of earth and spice and you have the perfect wine for roast lamb . ($ 20 )
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( 95 ) Marco Bonfante “ Bussia ” Barolo 2015 ( Italy ). The grapes are sourced from one of the top vineyards or cru in Piedmont . Pure nebbiolo , the wine is brilliant ruby in the glass , with notes of dark fruit , with floral notes , and subtle hint of truffle , for which the region is justly famous . A great pairing for game and wild fowl . ($ 69 )
( 94 ) Maison du Midi Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2020 ( France ). Broad and generous in the mouth , with ripe cherry , plum and blueberries arousing the tastebuds . A kiss of smoked bacon fat is exposed on the bold finish that is smooth and silky , showing no rough edges . A tremendous value that is also very versatile pairing with anything from burgers to steaks to grilled fish . ($ 30 )
( 94 ) Chateau D ’ Etroyes Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru
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Le Clos L ’ Eveque 2018 ( France ). Inviting aromas of black cherries , violet and bergamot flirt with the nose . Dazzling flavors of raspberry , blackberry and blueberry blossom in the mouth before surrendering to a long , generous finish , sprinkled with notes of fresh roasted coffee and baking spices . To get a burgundy of this quality at this low of a price truly is a rare find . ($ 40 )
( 94 ) Herdade do Rocim Alicante Bouschet 2019 ( Portugal ). Alicante Bouschet may have been born in the southeastern France , but it has truly found its home in Portugal . Herdade do Rocim produces an excellent version , with plenty of deep color in the glass , and lightly spiced black fruit on the nose , which is echoed in the palate . Lots of structure , with integrated tannins , the wine is delicious now , and shows great potential for further development . ($ 23 )
( 94 ) Bocale Montefalco Sagrantino 2016 ( Italy ). From the Umbria region in central Italy , Sagrantino makes for some very powerful , structured wines . And this bottle is no exception . A brilliant , saturated , ruby color in the glass , the nose is dominated by ripe black fruit , with subtle space and vanilla hints . The wine is rich and powerful in the mouth , with a long and balanced finish . ($ 47 )
( 94 ) Michele Chiarlo Cipressi 2018 ( Italy ). This 100 % barbera wine is a superb example of the variety . It showcases barbera ’ s quality and versatility , with lots and lots of black , supple fruit . The tannins are well integrated into the wine .
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Accessible now , it also has great potential for medium-range aging . ($ 27 )
( 93 ) Beni di Batasiolo Gavi 2020 ( Italy ). A fresh gavi , made from the Cortese grape in Piedmont . Like all gavis , this wine is completely dry and shows racy acidity . The trademark nutty and floral notes are present in this wine in just the right concentrations . ($ 18 )
( 93 ) Inama Bradisismo 2017 ( Italy ). Primarily cabernet sauvignon , with some carménère added to provide suppleness and some brightness , this wine is a very dark ruby in the glass . The nose and palate share the same intensity of black fruit , with cocoa and vanilla notes . The weight and richness on the palate are well balanced by its structure and lingering finish . ($ 29 )
( 93 ) Hidalgo la Gitana Triana Pedro Ximenez ( Spain ). Many people think of sherry as something to be sipped out of a small glass while Aunt Alice is watching an evening soap opera . This is nothing like that . This powerful , complicated , elegant dessert wine is an outstanding way to finish a meal . Lots of dried fruit notes , with hints of vanilla , and touches of spice . Wonderful . ($ 27 )
( 93 ) Rolland Galarreta 2018 ( Spain ). A majority of the wine is produced from tempranillo , with merlot added to the blend . An excellent wine , the result of a collaboration between the Spanish owner and the well-regarded French winemaker , Michel Rolland . Quite dark in the glass , the nose and palate both possess dark
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