More than $30
From southern Italy, made from a Bordeaux-style blend, comes one of the region's greatest reds ever. Intense aromas of blackberries, mint, grilled meat and raisins. Full-bodied, with masses of mouthpuckering tannins but a long, fruity finish. Best from 20
—James Suckling
One of Penfolds' high-end wines, and worth hunting down. This Australian Cabernet is ripe and rich, with style and tremendous length. Redolent of blackberry, bay leaf and pepper, this supple, generous mouthful packs a ton of fruit into a big frame. Best f
—Harvey Steiman
Nov. 25, 1999:
A. CLAPE Cornas
(92 points, $42)
Here's a Northern Rhône red that'll keep you warm and go with the turkey. Terroir-driven in its polish and concentration, this clean, oak-aged Syrah is made in a modern, smooth way. The wood covers the fruit for now, but this is a ripe red. A mineral com
A heartbreaker. Combining finesse and power, this beautiful Syrah shows delectable earth, game, blackberry, smoke and baconlike aromas and flavors. Sweet fruit suggests old vines or low yields, and the wood is kept cleverly in check. Floral notes emerge o
Made from a blend of several grapes, the '97 bottling of the Solengo is the best yet. Rich and thick, with wonderfully complex aromas of berry, vanilla, tobacco and flowers, and full in body, with a complement of finely polished yet velvety tannins. The
