Dedicated to Mauro Vannucci, the 2016 Poggio de' Colli is a pure expression of Cabernet Franc. This beautiful wine shows an all-Tuscan soul with delicate tones of Mediterranean herb and wild sage that frame a dark core of plummy black fruit. The bouquet boasts pretty mineral definition with flint or wet river stone that adds to the clarity and intensity of the bouquet. This is a full-bodied red to pair with stewed meat or grilled steak. The wine closes with long persistency, ushering forth fragrant tones of rosemary twig and dried oregano along the way.

A pure expression of Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Poggio de' Colli is an impressive effort. This wine offers more evidence of just how beautifully this French grape performs in the warmest pockets of Tuscany. The wine reveals a midnight black appearance with thick aromas of black fruit and marmalade. Like the other wines from this vintage, you are immediately aware of the sweetness and the ripeness of the fruit on display. Perhaps that warmth will not hold in the long run but this wine is drinking beautifully just as it is right now.

A pure expression of Cabernet Franc (aged in barrique for 18 months), the 2014 Poggio de' Colli shows fine texture and bold intensity. The bouquet is beautifully polished and integrated with black fruit, spice, leather, smoke and balsam herb. This wine stands apart for the very nuanced and fine personality it shows in the mouth. It covers the palate with silky intensity but it delivers power and momentum at the same time. This is a terrific wine in an underrated vintage.

The 2010 Cabernet Franc Poggio de’ Colli dazzles from start to finish. Gorgeous, beautifully articulated aromatics meld into exuberant fruit, all supported by finessed tannins. There is a pure tension to the 2010 that is marvelous to behold. The 2010 needs a few years to come together, but it is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Piaggia is another winery that has been on a tear of late. Softer, gentler extractions and longer aging in oak are some of the evolutions in the approach at Piaggia over the last few years. I can’t think of too many wines from Carmignano I would rather drink than these fabulous wines from the Vannucci family. Importer: Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

The 2009 Cabernet Franc Poggio de’ Colli is an exotic, gorgeous wine. Truffles, mint, spices, tobacco and wild flowers are some of the many notes that emerge from this utterly beguiling wine. The 2009 is totally seductive. It should drink well right out of the gate. Stylistically it is a bit more open and radiant than the cooler, firmer 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Piaggia is another winery that has been on a tear of late. Softer, gentler extractions and longer aging in oak are some of the evolutions in the approach at Piaggia over the last few years. I can’t think of too many wines from Carmignano I would rather drink than these fabulous wines from the Vannucci family. Importer: Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300