Five Star Cellars Quinque Astrum

Open at a pre-Valentines party in the company of a number of excellent Italians. Though rounder and more fruit forward (did I mention it was from Walla Walla?) it held its own against the 2009 Sassi Barbaresco San Cristoforo and the 2010 Pio Cesare Barolo. Ripe red fruit, a hint of mint and a long smooth finish. Better with the paprika meatballs than the crab cakes.

Looking for a Super Tuscan but not finding $300 and change in your couch? Try this. Five Star may be the best value winery in WW and that is a high bar, just ask the Wine Spectator. Medium red color with that pink-orange tint at the meniscus. A scent of leather or cedar, Complex tannins, a little harsh yet, but plenty of fruit to wait out its aging. Here is cedar, leather, black pepper, honey, a hint of peaches. Very …