Tolaini, Tuscany (Italy) Cabernet Sauvignon “Legit” 2021 ($45, Banville Wine Merchants)

When you slap a bottle of wine with a nod to my favorite jazz legend, Thelonious Monk, I’m hooked. The label, featuring the iconic Thelonious Monk in Italy album cover from 1961, immediately draws you in. Fortunately, this Italian Cabernet Sauvignon is just as captivating as the artwork. The wine is softly layered with rich, ripe fruit that fills the palate without overwhelming it. It strikes the perfect balance—not too intense, but undeniably flavorful. Notes of blackberry and black plum shine through. The bouquet is rounded out beautifully with hints of spice and leather creating a wine that is as complex and smooth as a Monk solo.
93 Miranda Franco