The Bibi Graetz 2018 Grilli is an entry-level blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot that pours from the bottle with a darkly saturated color and visible richness. To the palate, the wine offers generous tones of black fruit, dried blackberry, spice, cedar wood and rum cake. There is a lot to take in with this medium to full-bodied blended red from Tuscany. The wine's fruity richness continues to the palate, and the finish is driven by just enough acidity to add freshness and zest. As the wine opens, you get a hint of spice or savory maple syrup. This wine is very much alive in terms of mouthfeel, and it makes a great near-term drinking choice for a hearty pasta dish with wild boar sauce.

The 2016 Grilli is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 20% Syrah and 20% Merlot (all from vineyards in Chianti) that is fermented and aged in steel vat to preserve the freshness and the fruit-froward nature of the wine. Grilli is also Bibi Graetz's only wine made with Bordeaux or international grapes instead of Italian indigenous varieties. You get great value at this price point especially if you are looking for a mid-weight red for immediate drinking that is intense, soft, ripe and succulent. The wine opens to a beautifully saturated color with dark veins of crimson and inky purple. The bouquet is redolent of blackberry preserves, sour cherry, dark plum, bitter almond and grilled rosemary twig. The finish closes with subtle tones of menthol or medicinal herb. Drink this wine within the next two or three years. Some 30,000 bottles were made.

The 2008 Grilli del Testamatta offers up plump, juicy red fruit and sweet spices from French oak in a supple, accessible style best suited to near-term enjoyment. In 2008 Graetz used the best fruit he was able to salvage from his top vineyard to strengthen this entry-level effort, but even that wasn’t enough to fully overcome the challenges of a very hard growing season. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. Nature was not kind to Bibi Graetz in 2008. Hail caused significant damage in the main Testamatta vineyard, so Graetz passed on bottling his flagship wine, a shame since Testamatta has established itself as one of the most exciting wines in Italy. Various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Trilussa Wine Company, Greenbrae CA; tel. (415) 499 8466, Siema Wines LLC, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-1200, MS Walker, Sommerville, MA; tel. (617) 776-6700

The 2007 Grilli del Testamatta is a fresh, floral offering with plenty of juicy, high-toned red fruit and a long, polished finish. Ideally it is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. I continue to be impressed with the beautiful wines of Bibi Graetz. These are highly singular, expressive wines that merit serious consideration. Various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Trilussa Wine Company, Greenbrae CA; tel. (415) 499 8466, Siema Wines LLC, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-1200, MS Walker, Sommerville, MA; tel. (617) 776-6700

The 2002 Grilli, surprisingly ripe for this cool and damp vintage, presents aromas of raspberries, coconut, and vanilla, more concentration and weight than the regular bottling, and peppery, lightly herbaceous flavors. It should continue to drink well for another 5-6 years. Importer: unknown