The Badia a Coltibuono 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Cultus Boni is an organic wine from one of the most consistent and productive estates in Gaiole in Chianti. The wine is grounded in fresh primary fruit with wild cherry, blackberry and some faint dustings of exotic spice, toasted nut, crushed stone and dried flowers. You also get hints of lavender, sage and dried mint. Cultus Boni is one of the most terroir-driven wines of this subzone (and the price point is excellent).

This is sleek and well-defined, offering black cherry, blackberry, tar, iron and tobacco flavors shaped by vivid acidity. The tannins are dense, yet overall this is balanced, lingering on the complex, spicy finish. Sangiovese, Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2036. 10,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

Though not far from Poliziano's Le Caggiole, Asinone offers a more powerful Vino Nobile derived from the denser, clay-rich soils at south and southwest expositions. That dark power is accentuated in the warm 2017 vintage, with plenty of rich black-cherry flavors, layered with notes of licorice and baking spice, a profit that would find a warm welcome in a steakhouse. 

Wild rosemary, thyme and juniper aromas and flavors frame the core of black cherry in this supple red. Firmly built, shows refined tannins embraced by the bright fruit. Very expressive and approachable now, yet should continue to improve. Best from 2025 through 2050. From Italy. 

There’s an alluring richness and smoky minerality to the 2019 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Col Credas Rive di Farra di Soligo that’s impossible to ignore. Yellow flowers, young peach and crushed stone create a remarkably pretty display. It’s silky and smooth; yet it has a weightless feel, as this takes on an almost-salty savoriness which is further amplified by brisk acids and hints of spice. Col Credas is packed full of character, yet it’s wonderfully clean, poised and refreshing. This was bottled in September of 2020.

Dried strawberry and citrus rind, as well as subtle undertones of smoke and dried flowers. Full-bodied, yet so tight and composed with freshness and lightness, yet power, too. Long finish. This really needs time to open. Classic style. Try after 2025.

All charm, the 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark cherry fruit, licorice, menthol, pine, tobacco and cedar add pretty aromatic nuances. This easygoing, mid-weight Vino Nobile has plenty to offer.

A release of 8,760 bottles, the Vietti 2017 Barolo Lazzarito draws its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba and reveals a luminous garnet color. Compared to some of the others in this portfolio, the wine takes a little longer to open and express itself. It does, however, unfold to dark cherry, redcurrant, grilled herb, iron ore and candied orange peel. You need to give your glass a few extra vigorous swirls. Those rusty mineral notes build in intensity and drive the wine's medium-long finish.