The 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Nocio dei Boscarelli has no shortage of personality. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, incense and licorice are some of the many notes that burst from the glass in this beautiful Vino Nobile. The 2008 doesn’t have the depth or muscle of the best years, but it makes up for that with its notable energy and sense of direction. A clean, understated finish rounds out this stylish, feminine version of the Nocio. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Nocio opens with a blast of tar, smoke, licorice and leather. The Nocio is a big, powerful wine endowed with more than enough textural richness and sheer volume to handle its French and Slavonian oak. A round, harmonious finish adds to the wine’s sheer sexiness and appeal. The Nocio is 100% Sangiovese. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Nocio dei Boscarelli is vibrant, wonderfully alive and bursting with fruit. Dark cherries, flowers, minerals, spices and French oak are just some of the nuances that emerge in the glass. The finish is utterly impeccable in its freshness and crystalline purity. Today the 2006 Nocio dei Boscarelli is very young, but all of the elements are in place for this to develop into a splendid wine. In a word: superb. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900