The 2008 Bolgheri Rosso is very beautiful in this vintage. Crushed flowers, berries, spices and licorice are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. In 2008 the Rosso is rather medium in body, yet its overall balance is impeccable. The Rosso is 60% Cabernet Sauvigon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese, but oddly, there isn’t a ton of Cabernet character that comes through, rather this is a fresh, accessible red best suited for drinking over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

Ripe cherry fruit and tobacco are backed by subtle tones of toasted almond and smoked bacon fat. This Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Sangiovese blend delivers dense, slightly sweet flavors with a very soft, yielding texture that would pair well with succulent beef or lamb. ——M.L.(2/1/2012)—— 94