Cataldi Madonna Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007 Black cherries, glycerine, plums and blueberry with a slight hint of violets. My friend Eric Guido has done it again. He's obsessed with Risotto, and I'm so glad. Almost every time he has a new Risotto experiment he calls me to test his new recipes. It's a tough job, but hey. But first. MORE >>

Here are a few of my favorites: Channing Daughters 2007 Sculpture Garden 88% Merlot from the Sculpture Garden vineyard (the oldest on the South Fork, planted in 1982) and 12% Blaufrankisch from Sylvanus vineyard, aged in French and Slovenian oak barrels for twenty-two months. Barbera, and aged 22 months in oak. million per year. MORE >>

Punica Montessu 2007 Varietal: Carignan Blend Region: Sardegna From Giacomo Tachis of Sassicaia fame comes this Super-Sardegnian blend of 60% Carignano, with 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Loaded with ripe fruits, showing a dry minerality, citrus notes, a hint of fresh bread and heady floral aromas. MORE >>

From the Canale area of Piedmont and made from 100% Barbera, this delicious red wine with deep ruby colors and juicy fragrances is aptly described below in the vintner notes, ". APPELLATION: Barbera d’Alba D.O.C. VARIETALS: 100 % Barbera VINEYARD: Estate covers 20 hectares. It is very fragrant and full-bodied on the palate. MORE >>

Medium body opens to a supple and expessively bright Barbera that balances with layers of cherries and dark summer fruits, evolving into an elegant long finish. Noticed at first is a slight fizziness (“fizzante”), with ruby red coloring and aromatics of raspberry, followed by enticing spices and a small pinch of oak. MORE >>