Subtle aromas of orange peel, cherries, and dried flowers follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and a refined, subtle finish. Such beauty. So drinkable and fine.

Spicy, fresh and floral, the 2020 Vermentino di Gallura Limizzani lifts up effortlessly from the glass. This perfumed effort displays sour melon, ginger and honeysuckle. It’s silky and pliant, with a noticeable inner sweetness contrasted by salty minerals and tart orchard fruits. The cheeks pucker with residual tension as this tapers off fresh to a hint of tropical citrus.

There is a lot of aromatic definition to the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante. The wine reveals a distinct and unique personality, with a slightly higher degree of natural richness, concentration and textural power, which is due to the warm vintage. The vines are planted in eroded volcanic ash and soils, meaning that they have been broken down into ashy dust and smaller particles over the centuries. The bouquet offers red cassis, wild cherry and toasted fennel seed. It should be interesting to see how this lovely wine progresses over time.

The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva is laced with cinnamon, blood orange, wild cherry, tobacco and incense, all of which give it a decidedly exotic flair. The 2017 is a rich, dense Riserva, but I would prefer to drink it on the airy side, before it starts to lose its freshness and vibrancy.

With fruit from Novello, the Vietti 2017 Barolo Ravera is immediately expressive and articulate. The message it communicates is one of elegance and finesse, and the mouthfeel is especially important to this bottle. A silky, almost glossy sheen sets up aromas of cassis, blueberry, wild cherry and crushed stone. These various elements literally glide or skate together in seamless harmony. This was a release of 7,560 bottles.

At each tilt of the glass, the 2019 Podium reveals something new. Initially showing gingery spice, white smoke and yellow flower notes, it evolves into sour melon, young mango and wet stone aromas. Finally, it turns flinty, with crushed apples and raw almonds. The silky textures are almost glycerol-like, even though it is seemingly weightless in feel. It hovers above the senses while being propelled by vibrant acidity and saturating mineral tones, as ripe orchard fruits and inner florals cascade across the palate. It leaves you with an achingly youthful impression, the combination of structure and lingering notes of bitter grapefruit rind and granny smith apples. 2019 Podium is a classic in the making; and while it can be enjoyed today, the best is yet to come.

Broad and saturated with cherry, black currant and plum flavors, this red is expansive and yet well defined. The ripe fruit is offset by nervous tannins, leaving a resonant, energetic feel on the lengthy finish. Eucalyptus, iron and tobacco notes add detail. Best from 2025 through 2047. 642 cases made, 193 cases imported.