The 2006 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Villa Gemma, the estate’s top bottling, is gorgeous in this vintage. The excessive French oak that plagued some vintages seems toned down and what emerges is a firm yet juicy core of dark, black fruit. Smoke, tar, licorice and leather struggle to come forward on the finish, and ultimately this remains a stubborn wine in need of at least several further years in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. Importer: Masciarelli Wine Company, Weymouth, MA; tel. (781) 335-6620

Toasty and ambitious, this red features baking spice, smoke and burnt chocolate notes alongside rich flavors of roasted plum and dark berry confiture. Full tannins and bitter almond accents emerge on the powerful finish. Drink now through 2020. 200 cases imported.??–NW??Region: Italy / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Select to Add