The Castello Banfi 2016 Belnero is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. You feel a touch of the Cabernet Sauvignon thanks to those zesty garden green aromas and purple or black fruit at the back. This wine is easy and streamlined with forest floor, dried raspberry and licorice stick. It is nicely balanced and fresh for your next meal at your neighborhood Italian restaurant. Some 135,000 bottles were made.

The 2015 Belnero is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that checks all those basic "super Tuscan" boxes. You get bold and immediate fruit with rich aromas of black cherry, dried blackberry, spice, tar and tobacco. There is soft leather as well. The Sangiovese element adds freshness and clarity, while the Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and the Merlot contributes the broad volume of the mouthfeel.

Made with mostly Sangiovese, Belnero says more about the territory of Montalcino than it does any one grape variety. It’s a silky, elegant wine, with bright berry notes followed by cola, cassis and lightly toasted nut. Dark and finely textured. ——M.L.(2/1/2012)—— 90