Wine Region: Tuscany, Italy

A dark-cherry color with highlights of gorgeous ruby-garnet. Bold, yet supple, the big, smoky-earthy nose of ultra-ripe black cherry and red currant-like fruit gives way to notes of mocha and spice, followed by a richly tannic, long, long finish. The super-concentrated flavors are generous even in youth, but this sensational wine is sensational after six months to a year. Good acidity makes this a very food-friendly wine: like many Italian reds, Super Tuscan shines in the company of assertively flavored foods. Osso buco and veal piccata are splendid accompaniments, as are hard cheeses such as asiago and Pecorino Romano. Its firm backbone of acids and tannins make it work well with rich and spicy foods like Italian sausages or lasagna.

Sweetness: 0 out of 10

Body: 4 out of 5

Oak: 3 out of 3