Cabreo — 2001 Il Borgo

This classic Chianti is one of the many labels of Ambrogio Folonari and his son Giovanni, members of a well-known Italian winemaking family. Cabreo wines are cultivated mainly from two properties in Tuscany’s Greve district: Casa di Sala and Fattoria di Zano, which together yield only estate-produced wines. Il Borgo’s first release came in 1985 and showcased the innovation of Tuscan winemaking. A blend of 70 percent Sangiovese and 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this small production release is a deep ruby color with intense aromas of cherry and currant and flavors of leather, chocolate and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is complex and velvety with a long finish. Somewhat delicate, Il Borgo will hold up against lighter meats.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $50

Other Red Blends we've tasted
Check out our guide to Florence, Italy
For more information, visit www.kobrandwine.com

Mumm — Grand Cru

New to the American market, this multi-vintage cuvée comes from five distinct grand cru villages in Champagne: Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Bouzy and Aÿ, and Chardonnay from Avize and Cramant, each of which adds its own personality and character to the wine. Each year, about 15 to 20 wines go into the complex cuvée, and up to 27 percent of reserve wines are added to make the final blend. Mumm Grand Cru is a lively Champagne, with a clear yellow color and rich bubbles. Aromas of fresh citrus and honey fill the nose first, followed by the floral scents of hawthorn and acacia. The flavors continue in the palate, where the rich, mouth-filling mousse leads to a long finish. It sits well as an aperitif or paired with white meats and seafood.

Rating: 14.5/20
Price: $60

Other Champagnes and Sparklers we've tasted
Check out our guide to Champagne, France
For more information, visit www.mumm.com

Benziger — 2002 Tribute

The earth-minded Mike Benziger recently released his second vintage of Tribute, one of the winery’s prized biodynamic wines. A near-perfect summer and excellent harvesting season allowed the 2002 harvest to flourish, making this latest release an admirable sequel to the 2001 vintage, which was one of the first Demeter-certified biodynamic wines in the country. Benziger Winery, one of the few organic wineries in California, created this Bordeaux blend from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, which combine to form a rich, velvety wine with dark flavors of blackberry, cassis and coffee. High quality tannins and a firm structure also give this wine a great potential for aging. Unfiltered and unfined, the Tribute packs a heavy amount of alcohol (14.5 percent), so pair it with game or a rich, marbled steak.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $75

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Other Red Blends we've tasted
For more information, visit www.benziger.com

Robert Hunter Winery — 2003 Pinot Noir

Although better recognized for its sparkling wine, Robert Hunter recently forayed into the world of still red wine, releasing a 2003 Pinot just in time for the holiday season. Harvested from three Pinot Noir clones, the wine is handmade in small batches and aged for nine months. The final blend is unfined and unfiltered. An aromatic wine with hints of ripe cherry, rose and vanilla, this Pinot will complement many of your favorite holiday dishes; its full-bodied flavor goes especially well with veal or lamb. Pick up a bottle quickly: Robert Hunter has exclusive limited production and only produced 300 cases of this Pinot.

Rating: 14.5/20
Price: $35

Other Pinot Noirs we've tasted
Check out our guide to Sonoma, Calif.
For more information, visit www.roberthunterwinery.com