This is a blend of 30% Merlot and 70% Montepulciano, and although this vintage isn't remembered as a very hot one, the Talamonti 2013 Kudos does show lots of sweet fruit and cherry liqueur. Maybe it's the Merlot, but the wine feels ripe and thick with chocolate, sweet spice and cinnamon. Try it with some beef stew. Fruit is harvested late from two parcels that measure two hectares each, and the grapes are aged in French barrique for 12 months. The blending occurs after the aging process is complete. Some 13,000 bottles were made.

The 2011 Kudos is a blend of 70% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and 30% Merlot front the Colline Pescaresi IGT appellation. This is a gorgeous expression that offers both intensity and balance. The bouquet reveals dark fruit, prune, plum, tobacco, chocolate and grilled herb. Its texture is silky and smooth and the tannins are plump and soft. Kudos offers creamy richness and a very approachable, open style. The wine aged in 100% new oak for 24 months. It is only produced in the best years starting with the 2004 vintage.