In 2011, Wine Enthusiast's tasting panel reviewed more than 16,000 wines. We’ve recently published our Top 100 Best Buys (wines for $15 or less), our Top 100 Cellar Selections (cellar-worthy and highly rated collectibles) and our popular list of The Enthusiast 100 (weekend wines, restaurant purchases and special occasion wines) – now we’re releasing lists from the world’s most popular wine regions, including Italy, Spain and France.
As one of the oldest and largest wine producing regions in the world, Italian wines are diverse, complex, and can be confusing - especially to novice wine consumers. Our 2011 list aims to help clarify the situation, with in-depth reviews that cover each sub-region of this incredible country. For more on Italian wine, be sure to check out our country profile and our full list of Italian wine reviews here in the Buying Guide.
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- $45
Cavalli Tenuta degli Dei 2007 Red Blend (Toscana)
From fashion designer Roberto Cavalli’s wine estate (run by his son Tommaso), this elegant super Tuscan blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Alicante Bouschet opens with compelling intensity and pristine aromas of ripe blackberry, spice, leather and dark chocolate. — M.L. (10/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $60
Castello Romitorio 2006 Selezione XXV Anno Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
A 25th anniversary special selection, this beautiful Brunello shows thick structure with rich flavors of earth, black fruit, natural rubber, black fruit, soy sauce, cola, pressed flowers and toasted nut. The overall effect is elegance and sophistication. — M.L. (4/1/2011) — 93 -
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- $65
Castello di Verduno 2007 Massara Nebbiolo (Barolo)
Massara is a gorgeous, seriously beautiful expression of Barolo with dark concentration that follows straight up to the wine’s rim. Opulent aromas are of forest fruit, cherry cola, licorice, mesquite shavings and root beer. The wine has all the qualities for a long aging future including acidity, tannins and pulpy fruit tones. — M.L. (9/1/2011) — 93 -
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- $30
Castello di Bossi 2007 Berardo Riserva Sangiovese (Chianti Classico)
Berardo Riserva is an amazing achievement with elegant beauty and perfumed aromas of blue flowers, forest fruit and spice. Great structure and a naturally smooth consistency help support the tight tannins. — M.L. (4/1/2011) — 93 -
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- $54
Cascina Luisin 2007 Leon Nebbiolo (Barolo)
Barolo Leon opens with inky, dark concentration and succulent ripe fruit tones of cherry, prunes and cassis. The bold tannic structure, coupled with zesty acidity and drying mineral tones, suggest this wine has a long evolution ahead. — M.L. (9/1/2011) — 93 -
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- $74
Cascina Chicco 2007 Rocche di Castelletto Nebbiolo (Barolo)
From the Monforte d’Alba area of Barolo, this deeply concentrated and rich wine is etched by sharp aromas of licorice, black pepper, red cherry, chocolate, leather and cigar box. The mouthfeel, with its soft, velvety tannins, is particularly pleasurable. Drink after 2015. — M.L. (9/1/2011) — 93 -
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- $30
Canneto 2007 Filippone Red Blend (Toscana)
This impressive blend of Sangiovese and Merlot offers rich softness and a smooth texture backed by ripe aromas of red fruit, cinnamon spice, chocolate and mocha. The tannins also show softness and the wine would pair with choice cuts of succulent meat. — M.L. (10/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $88
Canalicchio di Sopra 2005 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
This is a very pleasurable, smooth and rich Riserva that lavishes layers of chocolate fudge, vanilla bean and bright cherry. Overall, it shows good intensity and smooth consistency. — M.L. (4/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
Canalicchio - Franco Pacenti 2006 Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
Franco Pacenti’s enticing Brunello opens with a sudden blast of cinnamon stick and nutmeg that slowly evolves to include tones of cherry, Indian spice, smoke and even a touch of dried green herb. The penetrating finish offers more clove and sweet spice flavor. — M.L. (4/1/2011) — 93 -
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- $100
Camigliano 2005 Gualto Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
This is a beautiful wine with impressive density and intensity that helps push its cherry-berry flavors smoothly over the palate. Complex and sophisticated flavors distinguish this wine overall. Gorgeous. — M.L. (4/1/2011) — 93
Tenuta Argentiera Argentiera
Red Blend, Bolgheri Superiore
Here’s a beautifully chocolaty and rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon…Read More