I had some folk for dinner and opened four differnet Italian wines. No
Chianti or Brunello for some reason.

2006 Franchetti-This is a wine from Mt Etna made in a very modern
style. A blend of Petite Verdo and Cesanese the wine is deep purple
in the glass, almost violet. Super concentrated plenty of cassis and
blueberry with leather and oak notes. "B"

2003 Tenuta di Trinoro Toscana-This Bordeaux blend is made by the same
folks who make Franchetti. A Cab based blend from southern Tuscany.
Ripe, oaky and jammy. NOt my style especially for an Italian wine.
Low acid, soft tannins a bit too flabby for me. "C+"

1999 Masseto-100% merlot. Incredible intensity and complexity.
Exotic nose of spices and black fruits. blackberry and currants on
the palate with cedar and spice on the finish. Still young and fresh.
"A"

1997 Gaja Langhe Sori San Lorenzo-Pale red in the glass. Effusive
nose typical of nebbiolo with tar and tea notes with plenty of dark
berry. Powerful on the palate. Earthy, mineral driven with plenty
of ripe blackberry. "A"