The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2025 - # 38 - A captivating bouquet of candied red cherries and raspberries intertwines with wild mint and delicate floral notes reminiscent of violet and rose petals. The palate demonstrates both power and finesse, where chewy, well-integrated tannins provide a firm structural foundation without compromising elegance. The wine's depth suggests layers of red fruit preserves and subtle herbal nuances, carried by a refined finish that speaks to Monvigliero's prestigious terroir. Drink from 2027.

This is a very pleasant and affordable wine that could be termed “Barolo light.” The importer had a hand in its production, sourcing grapes from the various villages in this northwestern Italian region and putting together what was once termed a “shippers’ wine,” not meant to be a blockbuster but rather a good introductory bottle. This has smooth black raspberry and blackberry flavors that allow for easy drinking without the assertive tannins that Nebbiolo wines from this appellation normally exhibit — and which add to their reputation but also their need for aging.

Crushed blackberry, sage, citrus zest and stone dust aromas create an enticing bouquet as the expressive 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Docheio blossoms in the glass. This is juicy to the core, with sweet liquid lavender tones and masses of ripe black cherry that flow across a stream of tantalizing acidity. It leaves a gentle concentration of primary fruit and violet inner florals that linger on and on. The amphora-aged 2022 Docheio is a pure and fresh Montepulciano that will win a lot of hearts.

Opening like a veritable spice box, the 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana entices with its autumnal blend of allspice, clove, and star anise before giving way to steeped plums and sage. It’s silky and refined, with supple textures and ripe red and blue fruits that swirl across a stream of vibrant acidity. It leaves a pleasantly chewy sensation while finishing with fine-grained tannins and a staining of primary concentration. Wait a full minute and hints of white pepper still linger. Wow. While richer than usual and easier to appreciate out of the gate, the 2020 is balanced for a long and steady evolution.

Starts with an open feel, displaying cherry, peach, iron, tar and tobacco flavors before firming up. This lively red builds to the long aftertaste of red licorice, tobacco and earth. Best from 2027 through 2045.

This is very intense with electric acidity. Dried apples, lemons and minerals with a salty undertone. Full-bodied with phenolic tension and an extremely long finish. Hints of oyster. Needs two or three years to show its greatness, but fantastic already.