Oak notes of toast, cigar box, cedar and smoke take center stage and leave the fruity tones on the far perimeter. The wine delivers a dark, brooding character with bright acidity and zesty, citrus flavors that work well with the wine’s natural acidity. Founded in 1973, this estate has an Etruscan-inspired cellar carved deep into the side of a hill.——M.L.(6/1/2008)—— 89

From the excellent 2004 vintage, this dark Vino Nobile (aged 18 months in oak barrel) shows quality fruit aromas of blackberry, cherry and cassis. But it also boasts tertiary aromas of tar, black stone and licorice as well as oak-driven aromas of spice and cigar.——M.L.(4/1/2011)—— 89

This vineyard-select is denser and richer than the estate’s base Vino Nobile. The extraction and thickness is more noticeable here and the wine tastes chewy and juicy in the mouth with flavors that recall ripe cherry, wet earth and exotic spice. It is aged in barrique for 18 months.——M.L.(5/1/2009)—— 88