2006 Tua Rita Giusto di Notri

The estate’s 2006 Giusto di Notri is another weighty, powerful offering bursting with tons of primary fruit. Sweet herbs, cassis and graphite swirl around in the glass, adding further complexity. Like the other wines in this line-up, the Giusto di Notri needs time to reach the full range of its potential, but it is awfully impressive even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. This is a breathtaking set of wines from proprietor Stefano Frascolla and consulting oenologist Stefano Chioccioli. Although Suvereto is one of the warmer micro-climates in Tuscany, the estate’s vineyards also contain a relatively high percentage of minerals, which allows the wines to maintain a surprising level of freshness, even in warm vintages. 2006 is quite possibly the most consistent vintage yet from top to bottom for Tua Rita. Simply put, the wines are not to be missed. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Deep black cherry rim and black core. Sweet smoky spice and bags of fine dark fruit. Oak dominates on the nose at the moment. And on the palate. Lots of sweet classy oak, with fine fruit. Modern but finishes wth a nice Italian bite of acid and tannin. Firm, dense but rounded tannins. Oak seems to simplify it at the moment. (JH)

Offers black licorice and currant, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a solid core of ripe fruit. This is big and juicy, but tight and powerful. Needs time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2011. 650 cases made. James Suckling, Winespectator.com