All of the Italian wines on this list opened with a “poof” of fragrance once uncorked, and this one may have been the most alluring (like walking past a perfume counter). Rich and dense, with powerful notes of cherry, eucalyptus, and tea, and hints of beefiness. Mouthfeel is intense and the finish muscular. Seems ready to go and quite sophisticated for an entry-level wine. Love these 2008s – such a great vintage in Barolo.

Young but gave excellent drinking pleasure even today. Spice-driven nose paired with lush ripe cherry flavors that are lifted by notes of orange zest and green herbs. Tannins are pronounced but silky.

Heady aromatic profile showing blackberry and flowers, while the sophisticated palate features kirsch, dark red cherries, pine and spice. Structured with integrated tannins, polished mouthfeel, and complex finish. Rated higher than the Costanti because I’m a sucker for cherry-driven brunellos but I do think the ’07 vintage shows more power than the ’09.

Appealing nose of violet and lavender, leading into a sophisticated palate of anise, chocolate, coffee and white pepper (more savory than the Altero above). Concentrated with still grippy tannins (showing the strength of the vintage) and closing with a mineral-laden finish.

This was a killer – delicious in every way. Overflowing richness and depth with decadent flavors of cassis, blackberry, smoked meats. The nose evolves over the course of the night, showing tropical fruits, berries, tobacco, sandalwood. So impressed with the balance of this wine – extracted fruit flavors seamlessly stitched into a tannic core. No signs of aging (other than great integration), but don't see utility in holding it either.

Had high hopes for this but opened it in the wrong atmosphere – everyone wanted to try it and it was gone before it had a chance to evolve. That being said it did give off a slightly off bandaid smell that was concerning and it didn’t blow off soon enough. Some of my guests however were impressed with the wine’s concentration, color, and length.

Tight black cherry and blueberry flavors prevail with complementary notes of tea and forest floor. Floral, evolving nose, smooth mouthfeel, good concentration. This was quite good, but given its price point, not sure if I’m a buyer in the future. Maybe needs more time.

Probably not the right wine for the moment – had it lakeside on a steamy summer night – a challenging assignment for a Bordeaux more suited for the dining room. Tasted this for the first time three years ago and loved its vibrance, but now it might be in a closed phase. Currant is the prevailing flavor, currant and nutmeg on nose, firm tannins, overall very dry.

Sappy aromas of raspberry and Chambord, tangy flavors of dark fruit and chocolate with a hard finish of iron and rocks. Concentrated and rich, maybe even hot. But next to the interesting Italian wines, it had me wondering whether Burgundy is worth it …