A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Nero, the Fantinel 2012 Collio Venko Tenuta Sant'Helena is a mid-weight red with bright aromas that lift easily from the bouquet. The wine offers wild cherry, blueberry, violets, tilled earth and a touch of tangy licorice or aniseed. To the palate, this is a lean and easy red that is ultimately poised for near-term drinking (given that it has already completed most of its bottle evolution). You might pair it with your favorite roast chicken or smoked turkey recipe. Some 12,000 bottles were produced.

The 2009 Collio Venko Vigneti Sant'Helena is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Pinot Nero. This is an awkward and slightly disjointed red blend that shows bitterness and astringency, which are contrasted against evident sweetness and generous aromas of blackberry preserves and cherry marmalade. There is a raw and rustic element to this wine that is not fully convincing. This expression is very similar to the 2007 vintage that earned the same score.

The 2007 Collio Venko Vigneti Sant’Helena is a blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Pinot Nero. This is an offbeat wine with an unusual bouquet that is ultimately meatier and denser than you might originally expect. Ripe fruit, blackberry and exotic spice come together as one. The tannin is tight and a bit rustic with an edgy, sharp quality at the back of the mouth. Drink: 2014-2017. Importer: Domaine Select Wine Estates, www.domaineselect.com