The estate’s 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is especially round and harmonious in this vintage. Ripe red cherries, leather, licorice and spices come together in this soft, accessible Vino Nobile. The finish is long, perfumed and quite pretty. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. The highlights among these new releases from Avignonesi, not surprisingly, are the Vin Santos, which in 1997 are nothing short of utterly profound. The wines actually benefit from being opened at least several hours prior to being served. As we went to press the Falvo family announced the sale of its remaining 10% holding in the winery to Virginie Saverys, director of Compagnie Maritime Belge, a Belgian shipping company. Ms. Saverys has been a shareholder since 2007. Based on the reds I have tasted here throughout the years there certainly seems to be an opportunity to increase quality in many of the wines. It is hard to imagine any proprietor in their right mind doing anything to touch the Vin Santos, as these remain some of the most profound wines in the world.Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

Ripe strawberry and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body, with plenty of rich, luscious fruit, fine tannins and a clean finish. Mouthwateringly delicious. Drink now. 8,500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Select to Add

Here’s an understated Vino Nobile with elegant, but not very intense, notes of blackberry, almond, spice, mesquite wood and cola. The wine is thin and a bit sharp on the palate with crisp acidity and medium length on the close. ——M.L.(3/1/2010)—— 87