2011 Argiano Non Confunditur “NC” Rosso Toscano (Tuscany): Full bodied, blackberry, black cherry, licorice, mineral. Powerful, long finish, well integrated tannins. Wow! $18 A

2012 Indiginous Selections Barbera del Monferatto (Piedmont): Medium bodied, easy drinking, cranberry, raspberry, plum, hints of earth and tobacco, long finish, delicious. $13 A-

2011 Shannon Ridge Barbera “Terre Vermielle Vineyard” (Lake County): Cherry, raspberry, vanilla, pepper. $16 B

2011 Tait “The Ball Buster” (Barossa Valley): Fruit bomb with blueberry/blackberry, vanilla, licorice, smoke, and black pepper. Velvety with nice tannins. $16 A-

2012 The Gnome Knows Syrah (Languedoc): Blueberries and black cherries mixed with herbs, earth, licorice, and… band-aids? $9 B-

2010 d’Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz (McLaren Vale): Blackberries, black cherries, vanilla, spice, pepper. $16 B+

2011 Milou Rouge (Languedoc): Grenache/Syrah blend, medium bodied, earthy, dark berries, coffee, herbs. Not complex but great value. $13 A-

2011 Red Tail Ridge Pinot Noir (Finger Lakes): light bodied and elegant, cherries, cranberries, floral, hints of fall baking spices. $18 B+

2011 Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz: Blackberry/blueberry, cedar, vanilla, a little earthy funk, but over-oaked and a little hot. $12 C+