If you ask Andrea Franchetti to name his two favorite vintages of the past, they are 2001 and 2009. The 2009 Tenuta di Trinoro is indeed an outstanding blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. The wine is showing beautifully right now and promises more excellence to carry it forward over the years. At the moment, it is seamless and infinite with a superior sense of balance and dark fruit integrity. It speaks in a loud, clear and articulate voice. The wine's appearance shows a dark, impenetrable color that underlines the ideal growing conditions of the vintage and the slow fruit-ripening. The aromas are stunning and perfectly balanced, showing both elegance and power. The tannins deliver dimension and a firmly unyielding quality that bodes very well for the future evolution of this stunning wine. -Monica Larner

(94 points) This right-bank Bordeaux blend from the Col D'Orcia in southeastern Tuscany is sourced from clay-limestone and gravel soils. At 16% abv, this is a beast, with a Porty nose of black, blue and red fruits. You expect sweetness, but it's dry, and very intense. The Port-like aromas morph to reveal a terracotta palate upon which slide flavours of autumnal forest floor, mushroom, stewed hedgerow fruits and wood. It has a lifted herbal finish with soft spices and demerara sugar. It's a unique style that could vie with Musar or classed-growth Bordeaux for a place on your table this and every Christmas.

Well-defined flavors of black cherry, black currant, raspberry, vanilla and chocolate mark this rich, dense and tannic red. Tight and compact on the finish, this will need time to hit its stride. Gains suppleness and length with air. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2016 through 2025. 700 cases made. –BS