The 2011 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano starts off with a bold, saturated color backed by aromas of red fruit, wild cherry and chopped herb or rosemary oil. In this case, that green note is lost at the back and only serves to give a point of brightness or sharpness to the overall mouthfeel.

A rich, juicy red, boasting black cherry, tobacco and tar flavors. The tannins are rustic, causing this to finish on the astringent side. Think grilled steak. Drink now through 2018. 3,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Select to Add

The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wraps around the palate with layers of expressive, radiant fruit. The 2009 is a supple, racy Vino Nobile endowed with gorgeous depth and nuance. The 2009 is 80% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and 20% various red varieties. The wine spent two years in cask prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. I prefer the simpler wines in the Nottola lineup this year. As is often the case, there is a tendency to overdo the top wine, and that is certainly the case with the Riserva Fattore. Bigger is not necessarily better. Various American importers, including: Francoli USA, Orange, CA; tel. (714) 974-0322; Ionia Atlantic Imports, Saint Louis, MO; tel. (314) 865-4925, Toll Free (866) 997-3073

The 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano flows from the glass with opulent black fruit, leather and spices. The super-concentrated style presents equally concentrated tannins that clamp down on the finish and convey an impression of limited elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Importer: Francoli USA, Orange, CA; tel. (714) 974-0322