The 2007 Aglianico del Vulture D. D’Angelo emerges from the glass with dark red raspberries, grilled herbs, scorched earth, tobacco and smoke. There is a lot to like in this big, mough-filling red, especially its budget friendly price. Readers who want to explore the unique shades of Aglianco that emerge from the slopes of the Vulture district in Basilicata should start here. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. Importer:A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

The 2007 Aglianico del Vulture is a serious wine. Layers of dark red fruit caress the palate in this big, rich red. This shows remarkable richness and depth, all backed up by intense tannins. There is enough inner sweetness to make this appealing today, but it could use another year in bottle to soften further. Readers will have a hard time finding a better Aglianico for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Unfortunately I was only able to taste two new wines from D'Angelo this year. The estate remains a reference point for Basilicata. These two entry-level offerings make a great introduction to the house style.Importer: Domenico Valentino, New York, NY; tel. (212) 679-0822