EDITOR'S CHOICE Savory and inviting, this has alluring scents of wild berries, citrus, Mediterranean brush and sea breeze. It's crisp, dry and delicious, delivering juicy Morello cherry, pomegranate and dark spice notes set against crisp acidity.  

The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is stunning. What a wine. Rich, heady and explosive, the 2019 is a gorgeous, spherical Barolo that dazzles right out of the gate. Aromatically broad and expansive, the 2019 fleshes out beautifully in the glass. Bright red-toned fruit, orange zest, mint, spice and bright saline notes saturate the palate on the back end. The 2019 is a total stunner, even in this stage of youthful austerity. It comes across as a bit rustic compared to the 2018, but the final verdict on that won't be evident for at least a number of years. This is the first vintage that includes a second parcel in Monvigliero. In the cellar, one lot saw submerged cap maceration, the other did not.

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its pretty bouquet of dusty florals, exotic spices and dried strawberries. This is like pure silk on the palate, seamless and supple, with depths of dark red fruit and mineral tones that add a more tactile feel toward the close. Balsam herbs, cedar and tobacco all resonate throughout the long and dramatic finale, as fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. As is often the case, Casanova di Neri is a master at creating one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable “entry-level” Brunellos.

Showing dark plum, ripe fruit, charred meat and scorched earth, the Tenuta Sallier de la Tour 2018 Monreale Syrah La Monaca is a perfect match of grape and territory. Syrah loves a hot climate, and Sicily loves Syrah. This is a robust and powerful expression of the grape that has absorbed much of the Sicilian sun, yet it remains elegantly mid-weight and contained throughout. This would be great with some grilled lamb sausage.

A tense and mineral expression here with fine spices and pure red berries. This is transparent and understated on the palate with crumbled fine tannins that linger with the minerals and berries in a long, intense finish. Drink now.

The 2018 Syrah La Monaca is an inky purple color in the glass. It offers a dark and seductive bouquet that mixes blackberries and plum sauce with balsamic spice, brown sugar and hints of peppery herbs. Its textures are silky-smooth, casting ripe black fruits over a medium-bodied frame. The density and richness here tempt the imagination as fine tannins and minerals saturate under an air of violet florals. This finishes incredibly long, to notes of salted licorice and currants. The La Monaca is already highly enjoyable for its concentration and sheer potential, but it will blossom after a few years of cellaring. These vines were planted in 2011 in a mix of sand, clay and limestone at the Sallier de La Tour estate in the northwest section of the island. Considering how well the 2018 is showing, I can only imagine what more vine age will bring.

Dried cherry, dried cranberry, star anise, clove and a hint of pepper open the nose of this well-crafted Amarone. Soft and plush on the palate, highlighting dried cherry and loads of baking spices, the wine begins to reveal turned earth, bitter chocolate and floral notes as it opens. It’s really well-structured, with elegant tannins and the needed acidity to keep the wine in balance.

Morello cherry and violet aromas take center stage on this savory sparkler. The dry, refined palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, blood orange, fennel seed and white pepper alongside a refined perlage and bright acidity.