2000 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna Asinone (Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano)

My second bottle of this, and it was easily as good as the first one. This needs about 15 minutes of air before showing right, but when it does, it really is on right now. Super nose that reminds a little of Bordeaux with great elegance and wild rusticity at the same time. Not fiercely tannic, but a wine that can age for many more years. Finishes well, and like many Italian wines, was a great match to food tonight -- homemade Lasagna. Great wine and although maybe not exactly a QPR at retail, it is worth the money, I believe.

2001 Azienda Agricola Terra d'Aligi Montepulciano Tatone (Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo) (89 pts)

Dark garnet red color, not unlike that of a young Cab. Nose was soaring with gamey notes and aromas of chocolate, brown sugar, and tobacco. Nice and plush on the palate with a decent finish. My only complaint is that it is just a little too one-dimensional to qualify for 90+ points. Solid QPR though at around $17.

2001 Canneto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) (88 pts)

Dark ruby color and Amarone-like nose of dried berries, tobacco, and rustic, subtle wood. On the palate, the wine coats the tongue well. Flavors of air-dried berries, tobacco, and some plum dominate. Mid-palate is slightly hollow, but the wine finishes strong. This is not life-changing stuff, but for $16 (from Wine Library), this is a fantastic weeknight or Pizza wine. Would buy again.