The 2008 Tassinaia is gorgeous. Dark red cherries, plums, spices, flowers and mint are all woven together beautifully in this sumptuous, yet medium-bodied wine. Everything is in the right place. I would not at all be surprised to see the 2008 improve quite a bit with further time in bottle. A closing burst of aromatic intensity is compelling. Tassinaia is by no means inexpensive, but it is a great wine for the money. The 2008 is 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Castello del Terriccio doesn’t seem to get a lot of love in the press these days, but the wines are stunning. This is a fabulous set of wines from proprietor Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana and consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799