A well-delineated red, exhibiting pure black currant, blackberry, violet and iron aromas and flavors. Sleek and fused to a foundation of dusty tannins, this finds nice equilibrium in the end, showing fine potential for aging. Merlot, Petit Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah...—B.S

Notes of wet stone and white flowers emerge on the nose of this wine. The palate pops with green apple, lemon and tart citrus fruit. Great minerality and spice show on the finish.  —J.T

...Green-apple pertness marked with caramelized complexity. Its fleshy acidity gives welcome zip, holding that freshness for days after it’s opened, suggesting it could handle some cellar age. —C.W.

Shows minerally hints of petrol and smoke on the nose that transition to underscore poached apricot, Meyer lemon peel and crushed macadamia nut flavors on the palate. Sleek and creamy, this is a light-bodied version with a lively finish. Drink now.  -A.N.

Tenute Lunelli 2018 Montefalco Rosso Riserva Tenuta Castelbuono Lampante is a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 15% Sagrantino, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wine ages in large oak casks for 18 months, and this adds contours of spice and toast that add to the complexity and tannic impact of the wine, but they are not overdone. The bouquet peels back to dried cocoa powder, bitter chocolate and blackcurrant. The fruit appears with more clarity to the palate, and the wine is actually quite large in terms of depth, girth and texture. – M.L.

The Tenute Lunelli 2017 Montefalco Sagrantino Tenuta Castelbuono Carapace (with 4,000 bottles produced) is a generous and richly concentrated wine from a scorching hot vintage...The intensity of those Sagrantino aromas is stronger here with toasted spice, cinnamon, nutmeg and dark fruit. This wine ages in large oak casks for 24 months. – M.L.

The 2022 Lafite Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. All of the Lafite signatures are present, but what impresses most about the 2022 it its poise, its stature. Readers will find a regal, statuesque Lafite built for serious aging. There’s tons of fruit and tannin, all masterfully put together. A modern-day classic. -A.G.

[92-94 pts] The 2022 Carruades de Lafite is a real showstopper... a wine that combines the richness of the year with tons of supporting structure. Super-ripe red-fleshed fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and rose petal all race across the palate, supported by bright citrus-driven acids that keep the flavors vibrant... -A.G.

The 2022 L'Évangile is seriously impressive right out of the gate, dark, rich and enveloping. Dark-fleshed fruit, mocha, spice, leather and a kiss of new oak race across the palate. Texturally, the 2022 is gorgeous. One of the recent changes here (since the 2021 vintage) has been a reduction of wine that undergoes malolactic in barrel, from 100% down to 60-70%. More than anything, the 2022 impresses with its gorgeous inner sweetness and exceptional balance. In short, the 2022 is a classic Évangile. - A.G.

[91-93 pts] The 2022 Blason de L'Évangile is a dense, powerful wine that very much shows the richness and density of the year. There’s tons of energy, but all of it feels directed inwards in what is a decidedly potent Blason. Strong spicy accents from the Cabernet Franc lift the expansive finish. There is so much to like here. The 2022 is the most serious Blason... in a long time. - A.G.

[90-92 pts] The 2022 Moulin de Duhart is a gorgeous second wine. Plump, juicy and expressive, the 2022 will drink well right out of the gate. Succulent red cherry fruit, rose petal, cinnamon and lavender are nicely pushed forward. Pretty savory and floral top notes add lovely aromatic complexity. The blend is 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. - A.G.

[92-94 pts] The 2022 Duhart-Milon is racy and explosive right out of the gate. Ripe dark cherry, plum, cloves, licorice, menthol and mocha fill out the layers in a deep, wonderfully expressive Duhart. Firm tannins extend the finish nicely... The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. - A.G.

Strong Soave tradition here, drawing on the older nomenclature of the zone that once referenced Chablis-type and Rhine-type iterations. This, of the former ilk. 100% fermented in French oak, with ample lees articulation. White marl soils imparting a saline wisp to the finish. Floral, gently oxidative and impressively textural. Drink now. -N.G.

A medium-bodied red with fresh red berry aromas and flavors, adding floral, citrus and mineral nuances as it progresses. The tannins are very fine and almost chalky, soaking up more and more fruit on the ever-expanding palate. Long finish. This is a very graceful and well-crafted Valpo ... Very expressive... -J.S.

The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ognisanti di Novare is quite pretty, wafting up with nuances of rose petals and dried strawberries. It's softly textured, and a saline core of minerality adds a savory flair as tart cherry fruit cascades across the palate. Inner violet and lavender tones resonate as the 2020 finishes a bit short yet remarkably fresh. – E.G.

In the far eastern reaches of Montepulciano, Tenuta Trerose approaches the boundary of Umbria and Lake Trasimeno. The latter takes the edge off the continental climate, giving an extra push of ripeness which shows through in the lush, fleshy fruit in 2019. It's laden with plush red berries yet remains midweight and mouth cleansing. Powdery tannins layer up across the palate, while touches of pepper and violet add dimension.