The 2007 Salice Salentino Riserva 50th Vendemmia is big, powerful and super intense. Ripe black fruits, licorice, smoke, ash and game come through in this assertive Salice Salentino. Silky tannins round out the finish. As the name states, the 50th Vendemmia celebrates the estate's 50th harvest. The Riserva is 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera, aged in neutral French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Quality continues to improve at this venerable estate. The wines have become far more consistent since the arrival of oeonologist Riccardo Cotarella a few years back. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2006 Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 50th Vendemmia (Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera) is a very pretty, nuanced wine laced with wild cherries, plums, graphite and spices. Silky tannins frame an exceptional, elegant finish. This cask-aged Salice Salentino is a gem, not to mention an absolute steal for the money. The 50th Vendemmia celebrates the estate’s 50th vintage in grand style. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. These new releases from Leone de Castris are some of the finest wines I have ever tasted from this property. Consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarella arrived in 2006 but only began making the wines from start to finish in 2008. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620