The 2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is packed with spiced dark cherry fruit. This vibrant, joyful red offers excellent length and terrific balance. Frankly, it is a steal at this price. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2009. These new releases from Farnese offer exceptional quality for the money. The wines are clean, correct and delicious, as long as the estate doesn’t stray too far from its core strength of making simple, well-made wines. Farnese offers two ranges in the value category, the first of these is a line of simple, varietal wines, while the Casale Vecchio series consists of special selections.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Plump, ripe notes of blackberry jam, prune, spice cake, tobacco and black tea steal the show and make for a very prominent, sweet and intense nose. The mouthfeel is less bulky but it does offer the length you should expect. ——M.L.(2/1/2009)—— 86