Turley 'Pesenti Vineyard' Zinfandel 2022: Medium ruby in the glass, the 2022 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard is refined and pure on the nose, leading with varietally classic aromas of yellow peach, wild red berry jam, touches of woodsmoke and tomato leaves and a mix of earth-driven, evergreen aromas. The palate clearly shows its warm-climate origins with its rich, concentrated, explosively perfumed red fruit flavors.

Sterling Meritage 2021: The 2021 Merlot provides a delightful blend of dark berry fruit, black plum, and savory spice notes on the nose. The palate compliments with notes of blackberry, black cherry, toffee and mocha notes, alongside more subtle hints of graham cracker crust and holiday mulled spices, from the well-integrated oak. Medium bodied with balanced acidity and soft tannins.

Tenuta Santa Maria Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2020: Vivid ruby red in color, with intense aromas of blueberry, hints of cherry, licorice and lingering accents of cinnamon and pepper. On the palate, soft and warm structured tannins are balanced with nice acidity, long finish and fruity sensations.

Big & bold is the order of the day with this lot of full bodied reds from Italy and California.