Azienda Agricola Valle Reale - 2015 - San Calisto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - 750 ml.

This wine draws fruit from the estate's Vigna Storica del 1952. With more smoke and savory notes that recall leather and spice, this might be your go-to for marinated tri-tip and a baked potato. The Valle Reale 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo San Calisto is a complete, classic wine with generous, soft tannins. It offers a medium-term drinking window: not too long and not too short. Grapes come from the San Calisto vineyard, which has a traditional overhead trellising system, or pergola. The wine is fermented and aged in large oak casks. A mere 6,108 bottles were made.

James Suckling: 93

Lots of slate, oyster shell, brambleberries, asphalt and hints of herbs and lavender. Full body, grippy tannins, a fine thread of acidity and a round, succulent finish. Drink in 2020.

Wine Spectator: 88

Lightly tangy and mouthwatering, with a hint of tarry smoke underscoring the flavors of cherry, plum, salumi and grilled mushroom. Open-knit and balanced, presenting a moderate, herb-tinged finish. Drink now through 2017. 670 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast: 88

Condensed red-berry aromas carry a sharp spice note on the nose. Medium in weight, the palate is tangy and savory, boasting flavors of red-berry reduction, game and dried herbs. There's nice textural roundness, with soft, supportive tannins.