Vin Ruspo, from the Carmignano production zone near Prato in Tuscany, is one of Italy’s most complex styles of rosato. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo and Cabernet Franc; deep orange appearance; aromas of orange zest, pear, pectin and orange roses. Medium-full with a rich, complex finish that is dry and elegantly styled, this has appealing flavors of orange and strawberry. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.

The 2019 Barolo Ravera is the most intensely mineral and saline of the Barolos. Crushed rocks, white pepper, flowers, orange zest, red berry fruit and bright acids all run through this finely sculpted, chiseled Barolo. Readers who enjoy Barolos of energy and tension will adore the Ravera. I have always had a soft spot for this Barolo. The 2019 is another magnificent dimension of Vietti's dark horse, a wine that over the last 10-12 years has routinely challenged for the crown here, and often won!

The 2020 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Colbertaldo Vigneto Giardino Dry is another classic wine from the charismatic Franco Adami. This festive bottle shows aromas of honeysuckle, candied lemon, crushed stone and Golden Delicious apple. Franco writes "Asciutto" in Italian instead of the English "Dry," and there's a lot to read into that. Is this a protest against the fact that the word Dry is confusing to the consumer? Production is 40,200 bottles.

Sliced apples, lemons, wild herbs and some cream on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with an oily texture. Very fresh. Drink now.

Packaged with a brown label, the Tenuta Scerscé 2018 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Essenza is enormously clear and intense with varietal tones of wild berry, tart cherry, blue flower and potting soil. This wine shows a pretty floral side with blue violet and fresh lilac that offer a pretty sense of vertical lift to the bouquet.

A burst of zesty green citrus, sour melon and wild herbal tones introduce the 2021 Sauvignon. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness complicated by salty minerality and a core of brilliant acidity that maintains fantastic energy throughout. This finishes tense, nearly crunchy in feel, with candied lime and rosemary nuances that create a sweet and sour sensation. I love the 2021s contrasting nature. Nicely done.

A fine tannined and very crunchy red with orange peel, crab apple and cranberry aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a fine tannin backbone. Don’t worry about the slight amber edge to the wine. It’s fresh. Drink or hold.

A close-to-even blend of cabernet and carmenere, with an increasing percentage of merlot and franc. Violet lift. Green olive spread. Chili, spearmint, bitter chocolate and dense, boysenberry confiture. Yet the feel, while full-weighted, is immensely savoury. The oak, an enticing framework, melding effortlessly with the density of the wine and modern, prescient style. This has a strong Bordeaux feel to it, with an extra degree of polish and richness. Drink or hold.