The 2006 Bolgheri Superiore L’Alberello offers up dark cherries, spices and sweet French oak in a soft, accessible style. The wine comes together beautifully in the glass, as layers of minerality emerge to balance the opulent fruit and a sense of energy and vitality, especially on the finish. This is a gorgeous wine from Grattamacco. The Alberello is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. This is an impressive set of new releases from Grattamacco, one of Maremma’s historic properties. Only Tenuta San Guido can lay claim to a longer track-record here. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

This is a beautiful and rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that shows the best of Bolgheri Superiore winemaking. There’s opulence and sophistication here with tones of wild berry, chocolate, tobacco and polished stone. ——M.L.(12/15/2010)—— 92