Acclaim

The iron and mineral rich notes of soil, bricks and blood at first on the nose are given a fruity tang from bing cherries and strawberries that then continue on the palate, with some added spicy notes of black peppercorns and red chili flakes. An earthiness follows all the way through, balanced by spirited acid.

A savory nose departs from dirt and tar and stones up front, with spices and nuttiness layered on top of astringent citrus—bergamot and pithy lemon. The juicy lemonade palate keeps that stoniness and adds a peppery back. Coherent and substantial, with elevated acid.

A restrained nose opens up to reveal bricks, soil, red berries and crushed rose petals. Metallic notes of iron and volcanic rock dominate the palate, interspersed with notes of wild strawberry and wild herbs. Tannins and acid maintain an elegant balance against substantial heat.

BEST BUY

Top soil, pennies and cherries that still have snappy skin on the bite balance perfumed floral notes on the nose. Fruit flavors of Gala apple and watermelon-cherry come through on the palate, along with a savory, meatiness and grapefruit with pith, all dancing with substantial heat and acid.

The nose on this wine offers sour cherries, plums and passion fruit, with umami aromas of soy sauce and tree bark. The palate brings a lively dance between sweet and sour fruit and earthy, chalky notes of soil and stone. Fresh and fun but not unserious.

Fruit and umami play off each other on a nose of strawberries and cherries with seaweed, soy sauce and crushed rocks. The palate is juicy and lively, with mixed berries and an even saltier blend of soil, stones and herbs. Tannins stay coiled up, ready to pounce.

CELLAR SELECTION

Villa Bucci defines the greatness of the Verdicchio grape and the fact that it can age for many years. The 2018 continues this estate’s streak of making amazing wine. This wine opens with a subtle note of salt pan, oyster shell and dried lemon zest. As the wine evolves more green apple notes develop. If you love Chablis, this is a wine for you. The palate is textured, layered and complex with minerality at its core and the lemon and apple flavors just standing guard. Drink now–2040

This wine can use a decant. It is shy on the nose at first, but patience will reward you. Aromas of dark cherry, plum and blackberry combine with violets and roses with a touch of sea salt, giving the wine an intriguing nose. The palate’s core is defined by dark ruby and black fruit flavors, with hints of dried herbs and game. Elegant yet firm tannins and a kiss of acidity on the finish balance the wine well. Drink now–2030.

Subtle at first, this wine begins to reveal itself after a few minutes in the glass. This Verdicchio transports you to the green hills of the Marche, offering aromas of wild herbs, ripe orchard fruit and apple blossom. The palate is mineral driven, with fruit and savory flavors providing support. It finishes with bright and refreshing acidity, making this a great wine to go with sushi and/or crudo

Savory, sweet and perfumed, the nose on this wine gives dark chocolate, dried figs and old leather. Juicy and berry rich, the palate conveys strawberries, cherries, more figs and more chocolate. Tannins make themselves felt and an acid kick is here, for a wine that’s lush but not spineless. – Danielle Callegari