Il Drappo Rosso, Sicilia IGT, Benanti 2004Basil and peppermint on a dense blackberry extraction. A wine full of natural sweetness and vibrant acidity and a juicy lingering finish. (FB)16.97Avignonesi, Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice NVTop of cream caramel, toffee, vanilla and coffee with some toasted hazelnuts and almonds. This is just the beginning for a never-ending and extremely complex real Tuscan Vin Santo. Quince marmalade, baked pear and yummy cough syrup and liquorice. Luscious, decadent, viscous and vibrant world-class dessert wine. (FB)Valle d'Aosta, Chardonnay, Les Cretes NVElegance and character for a unique Alpine Chardonnay. Superb fruit extraction and oak integration, great acidity on a very silky and structured palate. Some sweet floral scents get together on a creamy and mineral intriguing finish. A wine to drink and keep. (FB) approx 30Taurasi, Naturalis Historia, Mastroberardino 2003Complex perfume of white truffle and mushrooms match some dense and very compact blackberry and prune aromas. A structured and firm wine with a lingering liquorice and tobacco finish. A wine to keep for many years. (FB) 27.99Barolo, Parafada, Massolino 2004My top wine of the tasting. Exteremly expressive despite being a Barolo from the tough Serralunga. It's a great classic which you can drink now or keep - forever. Elegant dry roses, back cherries and leather with an extremely refined tannic structure make this wine a total beauty. Mineral, juicy, meaty and very lingering. A must have. (FB) approx 45Gratius, Toscana IGT, Il Molino di Grace 2004Nice perfume, an explosion of ripe black cherry with some spice and a hint of chocolate. Beautiful balance, with a fine acidity and smooth tannin, good structure and complexity. (CG) 24-25Capo di Stato, Colli Trevigiani IGT, Conte Loredan Gasparini 2004Elegant nose, aromas of black fruit with some spice and hint of vanilla. Elegant complexity on the palate, balanced and well-structured. Drink up to 2013. (CG) 27.40Chianti Classico, Rocca di Montegrossi 2005Lovely perfume of crushed fresh red fruits and some undergrowth. Very fine acidity on the palate, some smooth tannin with complex red fruit characters. (CG) 15.99-17.99Chianti Classico, Casanuova di Nittardi, Fattoria Nittardi 2005Very vibrant fruit on the nose, some ripe cherry with hint of violet; very perfumed. Ripe tannin but smooth and well-integrated with the acidity and the perfumed characters. Great depth. (CG) 15Chianti Rufina Riserva, Vigneto Bucerchiale, Selvapiana 2004A northern style, authentic and very well-interpreted Sangiovese - strength, good fruit extraction, zippy acidity and loads of earthy/leathery complexity. It's an austere wine which will need time to open up but your patience will be rewarded. (FB) 18.99Barolo, Cerequio, Batasiolo 2000Some development with notes of chocolate and tobacco. Complex palate with intense spicy and savoury character; balanced structure with firm tannin. Great depth. (CG) 21.65La Grola, Veronese IGT, Allegrini 2005Dark jammy fruit with a chocolate hint and well-integrated oak. Balanced on the palate, medium bodied with a vibrant acidity; smooth tannin. Drink up to 2011. (CG)Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso, Pojega, Guerrieri Rizzardi 2007Black pepper and chocolate with a dense cherry and blueberry nose. Seductive and decadent, with an elegant earthiness and a tobacco leaf touch. Very lingering, with a sweet and mineral blackberry finish. (FB)15Val di Cornia, Molisso, Rubbia al Colle-Suverto, Fratelli Muratori 2003A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Complex fruit characters with some undergrowth bouquet. Robust palate with a good structure, and clean fruit on the finish. Drink up to 2011. (CG)22.75Vintage Tunina, Venezia Giulia IGT, Jermann 2006A creamy and round wine with a full-on tropical character. Very ripe, with a citrus fruit-driven style and yet retaining a lovely honey-scented minerality. (FB) approx 30Torgiano Rosso Riserva, Rubesco 'Vigna Monticchio', Cantine Giorgio Lungarotti 2003Complex ripe fruit aromas supported by spice. Balanced on palate, with firm tannin and clean ripe fruit. Good length. (CG) 20Chianti Classico, Barone Ricasoli 2004A leathery and earthy nose with scents of Mediterranean herbs, violets and cherries. Good tannic structure, length and ageing potential. (FB)30Soave Classico, Capitel Croce, Anselmi 2006Concentrated and very fresh aromas of apples and pears. Intriguing creaminess and finesse on the vanilla and floral-scented palate. Very good and intense. (FB)Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese IGT, Masi 2005Made using the Ripasso method, this wine is packed with red cherry fruits and has a rich texture and a fine acidity. Drink up to 2010. (CG)8.99A Sirio, Toscana IGT, San Gervasio 2003Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet, this wine shows blackberry fruit with a hint of cedarwood. Full bodied and dense on the palate, robust. (CG)Alto Adige Pinot Grigio, Franz Haas 2006Intense aromas with notes of bread, almond and flowers. Crisp acidity on the palate, and a long finish. Drink 2008. (CG) 10.49Terrano, Venezia Giula IGT, Castello di Rubbia 2006Full of forest fruit aromas with delicate spice. Medium bodied on the palate, lots of juicy red fruit with a vibrant and fresh acidity. Drink 2008. (CG) 13.99 ColasantiMaremma Toscana, Dromo, Tenuta Poggio Verrano 2005Perfume nose with ripe cherry fruit. Intense and complex palate, clean and pure red fruit with spice. Great depth. (CG) 27-30Moscato d'Asti, Nivole, Michele Chiarlo 2007Very expressive, explosion of fruit-floral aromas. Fresh acidity with low alcohol, lots of apricot and peachy notes, very refreshing, a perfect summer wine. Drink 2008. (CG) 6.99Barbera d'Alba, Vigna del Cucculo, Cavallotto 2004Black cherry aroma on the nose following through on to the palate, sweet spice. Good complexity, with a vibrant acidity and lots of fruit purity. (CG) 16.-20Leverano Rosso Riserva, Terra, Conti Zecca 2004Leather and tobacco with a fine earthiness and foral complexity. Great blackberries extraction yet retaining a lot of freshness and savouriness. Very well balanced, with an elegant black pepper finish. (FB)Rina Lanca Grillo-Viognier, Sicilia IGT, Feudo di Santa Tresa, Casa Girelli 2006Lots of ripe fruit, with notes of dried apricot and peach. Complex with good weight; ripe apricot on the palate and a fresh acidity. Drink 2008. (CG) 7.95Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friulano, Colutta 2007White pepper and acacia flowers. A very refreshing and aromatic white with a natural unoaked spiciness, aromatic power and a long mineral finish. (FB) 11.50Cortona, Syrah, Tenimenti Luigi d'Alessandro 2006Spicy, elegant and fruit-driven wine with an extremely refreshing palate. A very natural wine with character, savouriness and a jucy red-berry lingering palate. Great value. (FB) 8Grechetto dei Colli Martiani, Grecante, Arnaldo Caprai 2007Very attractive nose, clean and fresh apple with some zestiness. Crisp acidity on the palate with lots of fresh white fruit. Very enjoyable. (CG)10.95Aglianico del Vulture, Il Sigillo, Cantine del Notaio 2004An extremely slick and seductive full-bodied red displaying great extraction without being overdone. Elegant menthol and prunes aromas take your nose into a very rich and intriguing realm. Evident yet silky tannins and a vibrant acidity keep this dense Amarone-style wine from the Volcani Vulture in truly juicy shape. A must try. (FB)Galatrona, Toscana IGT, Fattoria Petrolo 2005Great example of Tuscan Merlot, with an elegant, smooth and dense character of blueberries, violets and black cherries. Loads of weight and body, but well integrated, with superb acidity. Rather opulent and mineral. (FB) approx 45Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Bertani 1998Lots of ripeness on the nose, layers of chocolate and ripe cherries. Velvety palate with some sweet spice characters; full bodied and complex. Drink 2013 plus. (CG)60Gattinara Riserva, Travaglini 2004A developed bouquet with hint of violet, dried fruit with some spice. Full-bodied palate with lingering tannins and a balanced acidity. (CG) 25.76Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vigneto Poggio Sant'Enrico, Carpineto 2001Expressive cherry and liquorice scents with a fresh floral touch. A great Sangiovese with structure, elegance and length. (FB) 43.99Chianti Classico Riserva, Rancia, Felsina Berardenga 2005Great freshness on the nose and the palate, some dark berry flavours with some smoky characters. Great texture and complexity on the palate supported by firm tannin. (CG) 31.69Impero Blanc de Pinot Noir, Marche IGT, Fattoria Mancini 2006This 100% Pinot Noir displays some lees characters with some spice from the oak. Lots of weight on the palate with creamy fruit and apple flavours. (CG) 23.99Taurasi, Fatica Contadina, Terredora 2001A classic Aglianico - intense leather, tobacco and liquorice nose with jam-packed blueberries. A juicy and luscious refreshing red, with undeniable ageing potential and loads of character and expressiveness. (FB)14Decima Aurea, Merlot, Veneto IGT, Tenuta Santa Maria Alla Pieve 2002Good fruit concentration on the nose; full of red cherry aromas. Firm tannins on the palate, well-structured with some savoury notes on the finish. Drink up to 2011. (CG) 29.49Vin Santo di Carmignano, Tenuta di Capezzana 2000Dry figs, hazelnuts and saffron. Some intriguing toastiness and vanilla scents, and then iquorice, dry apricots, dates and orange peel on the palate. A sweet and delicious Vin Santo, very viscous and lingering. (FB)Poggio Valente, Fattoria le Pupille 2005Delightful wine with lively blackberry fruit characters and some spice. Great balance between the acidity, the fruit and tannin. Complex on the finish. (CG) 25.15Kepos, Maremma Toscana IGT, Ampeleia 2006Lovely intensity, clean ripe fruit with some minerality. Ripe tannin with some black fruit; complex and good acidity. Long finish. (CG) 17Costa di Giulia, Toscana IGT, Michele Satta 2007Made of Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc, the wine displays vibrant aromas of apple and lime with some smoky hints. Crisp on the palate but with lots of weight; clean and fresh finish. (CG) 13.45Franciacorta Cuvee Brut, Bellavista NVMade of 80% Chardonnay with some Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero, the wine shows fresh and pure citrus aromas with fresh apple. Good intensity on the palate with elegant fruit, vibrant and pure on the finish. (CG)Pergolaia, Toscana IGT, Caiarossa 2004Lovely perfume, elegant and delicate red fruit with some spice. Rich on the palate with a lively, lingering acidity and good depth of fruit on the finish.Chianti Classico Riserva, Marchese Antinori, Antinori 2003Despite the hot vintage this is a truly old-time classic Chianti Classico. A restrained and elegant red full of liquorice, cherries and leather and a touch of violets. Big tannic structure with an earthy and juicy cranberries and leather complexity. (FB)Cepparello, Toscana IGT, Isole e Olena 2004Smoky and tarry notes with plenty of berry fruit; well integrated new oak. Full bodied with good acid; ripe but firm tannins; spicy new oak on the finish. (CG) 38.49Barolo, Aldo Conterno 2004An intense and very powerful Barolo packed with cranberries and cherries. Modern and slick showing superb extraction and big tannins. Needs time to develop though. (FB) 57Chianti Classico Riserva, Castello di Volpaia 2005Red cherry and spice on the nose. Full bodied and well-structured on the palate. Great depth of fruit on the finish. (CG)Nero d'Avola-Merlot, Ramione, Sicilia IGT, Baglio di Pianetto 2004Orange peel and prunes with some Mediterranean spices and a cranberry complexity. Great concentration and an intriguing black pepper finish. (FB)25.50Cerviolo Rosso, Toscana IGT, San Fabiano Calcinaia 2004Ripe red cherry fruit with hint of violet and spice. Powerful on the palate, lots of black fruit with a vibrant acidity; robust and well-structured. (CG)Freisa is Nebbiolo's genetic father so get ready for your tar and roses fix - but with a more refreshing approach on the palate. A vibrant red berry crush wine with excellent ageing potential and great character. (FB) 7Sassoalloro, Toscana IGT, Jacopo Biondi Santi 2005Lots of cherry fruit with some herbaceous characters. Firm tannin with some black fruit and sweet oak on finish. (CG)17.53Ribolla Gialla Brut Millesimato Spumante, Collavini 2004Peaches and bananas for this 'Collavini sparkling method' Ribolla wine. A unique floral and mineral character, with a very fresh and zesty finish and a pleasant touch of creaminess. (FB) 25Chianti Rufina, Nipozzano Riserva, Marchesi dei Frescobaldi 2001Well structured wine with robust tannins, an elegant earthiness, some red berries and a meaty, leathery palate. Good length and balance. A classic Tuscan wine - verging on four stars. (FB) 14.99Terrine Rosso di Toscana, Castello della Paneretta 2003Elegant perfume with notes of blackberry and liquorice. Intense palate, elegant fruit characters with a hint of violet, silky tannins on the finish. (CG)Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, Castello di Semivicoli, Masciarelli 2006Seriously refreshing wine with a touch of hazelnut and violets. Quite lingering, with some pleasant liquorice, vanilla and peach flavours. (FB)approx 15Cometa, Sicilia IGT, Planeta 2007Sweet vanilla spices and a fine apricots and jasmin flowers nose. On the palate, some lovely thyme and camomille contribute to an aromatic and smooth honeydew texture. (FB)Collio, Pinot Grigio Russiz Superiore, Marco Felluga 2007A well rounded wine with a tropical character, some hazelnuts and peaches, and with a pleasant spicy finish. (FB)14.99Colli Orientali del Friuli Rossazzo Bianco, Terre Alte, Livio Felluga 2006This wine has a refreshing green and grassy character with some elegant floral scents. A lingering wine with rich white and citrus fruit flavours and a well-structured (almost tannic) pleasant body. Bordering on four stars. (FB) 40Barbaresco, Starderi, La Spinetta 2005Blackberries and more dense black fruit combined with tobacco and chocolate make this Barbaresco a most modern and richly-extracted monumental wine. Gets a grip with some great acidity and a savoury, lingering complexity. Too young to drink now - needs time when it could go up to four stars. (FB) 85 TNero d'Avola, Sagana, Sicilia IGT, Cusumano 2005An expressive tobacco and menthol-like nose. A rich and dense wine packed with ripe prunes and black cherries. (FB) approx 20Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Gersemi, Fazi Battaglia 2003Lots of savoury aromas with some spice and cherry fruit. Full bodied on the palate, rich fruit characters with firm acidity. (CG) 17.54Biddas Arrubias, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, Feudi della Medusa 2005Coffee beans and dark chocolate for a very spice-driven wine. Prunes and vanilla and more black fruit, and an elegant gun-flint finish. (FB)25Cappello di Prete, Salento Rosso IGT, Candido NVSpicy and gun flinty with a yummy red berry crush nose. A light yet intense and lingering red wine. Rich and full of character. (FB) 8Terre del Guiscardo, Salento Rosso IGT, Antica Masseria del Sigillo 2005Dark and inky with loads of prunes, vanilla, liquorice and cocoa powder. A dense leathery and blackberry-driven palate and a dense and complex coffee and vanilla finish. Almost warrants four stars. (FB) 14.49Text from the decanter.com. Authors Christelle Guibert, Filippo Bartolotta