Aromas of sliced apples, peaches, stones, herbs and white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a concentrated, complex and spicy palate. Delicious finish. Drink now

The 2020 Nero d'Avola is both classically floral and finessed, but with intense depths of dark red berries and exotic spices that keep me coming back to the glass. Its textures are silky, with violet-laced wild berries and mineral tones that create a savory expression toward the close. This leaves a coating of grippy tannins and hints of sour citrus while tapering off with persistence. If checking in today, make sure to enjoy the 2020 alongside a meal. That said, I expect a year of cellaring should add some softer contours.

A firm and lightly chewy nero d'avola with earth and spice and some mushroom undertones. Medium body, solid tannins and a fresh, savory finish. Sustainable. Drink now.

A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet, iron and a hint of rosemary aromas and flavors. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Features great harmony and elegance. Best from 2025 through 2047.

Made with fruit from old vines, the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. is powerful and delicate at the same time, and it strikes a careful balance between these two opposing forces. This is one of the biggest compliments you can give to a wine from Etna, one of the most dramatic and violent winemaking panoramas on Earth. This lovely Nerello Mascalese shows aromas of cherry and wild rose with toasted nut, scorched earth and lavender essence. The concentration and staying power from those old vines add considerably to the depth, tannic power and complexity of this age-worthy bottle.

There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!

Starting with the 2019 vintage, Vietti's Barolos and Barberas are all certified organic. The 2019 Barbera d'Asti La Crena (with 10,000 bottles made) is a darkly concentrated wine with abundant black fruit and dark spice. Fruit for La Crena comes from the heart of the Nizza region that is dedicated to the Barbera grape. In this case, old vines were planted between 1932 and 1935. The results are aged in both barrique and botte, and the wine is syrupy thick and powerful (with 15% alcohol) on the close.

Blackcurrant and crushed stone with some flint on the nose and palate. Lead pencil, too. Medium-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that are polished. Juicy finish. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2023.