Ca’ del Bosco is one of Italy’s best producers of sparkling wine and this Brut expression show the deft hands of the staff winemakers. The wine is bright and light, but elegant and enduring at the same time. You’ll get honeysuckle, stone fruit and yellow roses. ——M.L.(6/1/2010)—— 91

This is an extraordinary sparkling wine from Italy’s Franciacorta region (near Milan) that boasts austere aromas of mature fruit, pineapple, toast, chopped hazelnut, Golden Delicious apple and dried sage. It’s a complex and layered wine with impressive intensity.——M.L.(7/1/2009)—— 91

Rich and yeasty, with aromas of breakfast cereal, confectioner’s sugar and toasted bread. Shows complexity and regal characteristics such as buttered toast, crystalline apple fruit and a touch of mineral. Finishes light, right and juicy, but with substance.——M.S.(12/15/2004)—— 89

From the faraway 1998 vintage, this lovely sparkling blend from northern Italy delivers a suave, smooth personality with complex layers of toasted baguette, honey-roasted almond, candied orange and ripe peach. Great intensity and a bitter almond finish cap the enduring mouthfeel. ——M.L.(12/31/2011)—— 93

Earthy—with some aromas and flavors reminiscent of damp clay—but shows pleasant notes of sourdough, vanilla and cream as well, gliding gently into a citrusy palate and buttery, slightly soft finish. Drink now.——J.C.(12/31/2003)—— 87