Marchesi dei Frescobaldi, Toscana IGT (Tuscany, Italy) 2009

 The Frescobaldi name is so prestigious, and the packaging of this wine is so classic, that you might expect this to be an Important Wine that needs cellaring.  Actually, it is a soft, smooth wine that goes down easily and is delightful to drink now.  Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (30%) with 10 percent each of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, this wine is modern in style with some juiciness of fruit character and all the smoothness that so many wine drinkers crave; only the tannin presence on the rear palate betrays its classic Tuscan roots.  A well-balanced wine that’s here to enjoy.