La Vendemmia Chianti DOCG 2011

OK, here's a great deal for an every day red wine, you're not going to believe the value. It's a Sangiovese aged for 3 months in French oak, with really pretty aromas of plums, and blackberry... dry but with fresh fruit flavors, mouth-watering tannins and an overall smoothness usually lacking in a wine this inexpensive. I found this at Pop's Wine & Spirits in Island Park, NY for $5.75 a bottle (mixed case price). I need to go back and buy a case myself. What a great deal!

Viña Sastre Crianza 2009, Bodegas Hermanos, Sastre

Here is another beauty from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain where the 2009 vintage was reportedly a very good one, and this Tempranillo reflects that. After initial fermentation aged for 18 months in French oak.

Deep bluish red colors with red cherry, blue fruits, violets and deep earthy aromas, mushroom or truffle-like, more flavors of red fruits, red licorice candy and exotic eucalyptus, on top an herbal mint/lavender cast. Very fruit forward, with herbaceous twist and ready to drink (but can only improve with age). This would be a great wine to bring to a holiday celebration at $33.

Vina Pedrosa Crianza 2010 Bodegas Hermanos, Perez Pascuas

Ribera del Duero: Aged 18 months in oak, then 6 months in bottle before release, ruby red colors in the glass, first thing off the starting block is raw fresh wood (cedar), fresh fruit and minerality, slightly muted aromas, very dry tannins, on the palate glycerine, bacon, licorice and white pepper with floral notes. SRP $34.

Bodegas Vizcarra JC Vizcarra 2011

From Ribera del Duero in Spain, this 100% Tempranillo is aged in French & American oak (half new and half two years old) for 15 months. Purple ruby colors, clean, primary aromas of raw wood, vegetal, earth and barnyard. Nice acidity, fresh flavors of chocolate and licorice, palate overpowers aromas, beautiful finish, smooth tannins. Pairs well with red meat, but would be greatly improved with a little aging. $33

Alejandro Fernandez-Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2008

This powerful, racy Tempranillo is aged 24 months in American oak barriques and 12 months in bottle. Colored an opaque ruby in the glass with rust around the rim, lovely aromas of violets and cherry pie pervading, set against a certain minerality and hint of petroleum. Beautiful mixture of tannins and acidity showing flavors of cherry, black fruit and cocoa, with a spicy long finish. Robert Palmer labeled this the "Petrus of Spain". SRP $48. Ribera del Duero region.

Sicilian Wine & Chocolate

If you are in NYC over the next couple of days there will be a few tasting events you may like to attend, see link.