2008 Red Wine between $50 and $75

One of the founding members of the prestigious Amarone Families association who focus on safeguarding the unique winemaking traditions of Valpolicella, Allegrini sets the standard for a new generation of vintners. This opens with sweet tones of Indian spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is exceedingly rich, long lasting and intense.

This wine typically starts life out as a young, tannic puppy, and although it has ripe flavors and a suppleness that can handle rich meats and cheeses, it's best to cellar it. This vintage is quite undeveloped, wrapped in tannic astringency, but with a hopeful core of fruit that should age well from 2008 on.

Clos Apalta, depending on your point of view, is arguably Chile's best wine. And this vintage is outstanding! Earth, minty spice, ripe berry, minerality and smoky aromas cover the bases. It's superbly structured, with a fine texture and depth. Tastes lush and complex, with blackberry, creme de cassis, fine herbs and tobacco. Finishes classy. Drink now through 2016.

The 2008 Numanthia spent 18 months in new French oak. It sports an inviting nose of pain grille, graphite, Asian spices, licorice, lavender, and blackberry. In the glass it reveals its voluptuous proportions, savory flavors, and outstanding volume. Give this lengthy Toro 5-7 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2017 to 2028.

"This lovely wine shows the soft tannins and herbaceousness you often find in Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. That dried herb taste accompanies blackberry and black currant fruit. It's classic Silver Oak, dry and elegant."