Medium-bodied but with a creamy texture, this uncommon Sangiovese-Cab Sauv blend from Tommasi has a beguiling and multi-faceted nose of cherry, blackberry, strawberry, black tea, tobacco, molasses, vanilla, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and chocolate. Cherry tartness emerges on the palette, along with earth and mushrooms, and later some tar and leather, and the length is excellent. An intriguing mix of sweet and savoury elements, along with a touch of bitterness, this is an outstanding value for an outstanding wine. It's approachable now, but it has the fruit and tannins to continue to evolve.

The 2011 Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo, composed of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in Slavonian Oak for 12 months, has fullish aromas of oak, dark chocolate and dates on the nose and blueberry, dates, figs, rosehip, pomegranate and light strawberry on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with refreshing acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a medium finish. This is a red fruit, acidity forward food friendly wine; drink now till 2020 (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE, 89-90 pts – recommended for both its quality and value. Tasted in Jan/15.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy