Aia Vecchia Toscana Lagone IGT 2007- 90 point Tuscan brilliance. $12.95

What do you get when you combine Napa, Bordeaux and Tuscany?  Super Tuscan blends.  I  personally prefer these over Chianti which is made mostly of Sangiovese, especially at this price range.  Chianti has strict winemaking regulations, put in place by the Italian government, which Super Tuscans don’t have to adhere to.  The result is a more modern, creative style of wine.   At $12.95, I would challenge our readers to find a better value in all of Tuscany.  If you’re a fan of the 2006 Monte Antico Roso, this is of comparable quality but made in a much more ripe style. Right now I like this one better, but it could be because I’ve been through two or three cases of the Monte Antico!

As good as this wine is, I don’t think it has matured yet.  A $13 wine maturing?  Yeah… it’s that good.  It’s relatively soft on entry but has a bite on the finish that will likely soften in the next 1-2 years.  Otherwise this is particularly full bodied for a Tuscan wine with a jammy taste and a silky mouthfeel.  60% Merlot and 35% Cabernet with the balance Cab Franc combine to make a modern style wine with a floral, minerally Italian influence.  What else do I like about it?  The label looks like a Bordeaux label complete with the sketch of the chateau.  Nickel and Dime rating- All killer no filler!

Buy Here: Aia Vecchia Toscana Lagone IGT 2007 $12.95

Wine Spectator 90 points

“Aromas of plum and dark fruits lead to a full body, with velvety tannins and a soft, caressing finish. Minerally and floral. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2011. 10,800 cases made. “