The 2007 Aglianico del Vulture Riserva Gudarrà is a standout wine and one of the best expression of Aglianico from Basilicata I tasted this year. The wine opens to a dark, impenetrable appearance with determined aromas of dark fruit, tar and dark resin. In fact, there are tones of pine resin or the kind of wax finishing used on antique furniture. Other tertiary aromas include dark mineral, cola and licorice. It's appearance is back and dense and Riserva Guadarrà ends with firm structure and dusty tannins. Because of its austerity, this wine won't appeal to everyone, but it is impossible to forget. - Monica Larner

Herb, graphite and floral notes are richly aromatic on the nose but more subtle on the palate of this creamy red, accenting flavors of plump cherry and strawberry fruit, star anise and grilled mushroom. Grippy tannins emerge on the finish. Drink now through 2019. 900 cases made.