The 1996 Grifi is a Sangiovese / Cabernet Sauvignon blend. A superb effort, this opaque purple-colored wine displays a backward yet promising nose of black cherries, cassis, lead pencil, licorice, and leather. Full-bodied, powerful, and super-concentrated, with sweet tannin, and a long, this impressively-endowed vino da tavola should be at its best between 2001-2012. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The 1995 Grifi, a big, smoky, blackberry, cedary, lead pencil, and currant-scented nose is followed by a ripe, medium-bodied wine with outstanding concentration, superb balance, and a marriage of finesse and power. Beautifully-crafted, with sexy layers of lush fruit, it should be consumed over the next 5-7 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Avignonesi's 1993 Grifi possesses a healthy dark ruby/purple color, followed by sweet, attractive berry fruit intermixed with gobs of smoky, spicy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, supple, round, and mouthfilling, it is Burgundian-like in its opulent richness and chewy texture. Drink this fleshy, sexy wine over the next 5-6 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Tasted but not recommended.

The 1988 Grifi (a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Prugnolo Gentile) offers up a moderately intense bouquet of cherries, oak, and herbs. In the mouth, there is good structure, a sense of firmness and tightness, as well as excellent ripeness, a medium-bodied, rich palate, and fine length. The wine will benefit from another several years of cellaring and should last for at least a decade. Importer: Winebow, Inc., HoHoKus, NJ.