The 2009 Montelpuciano won us over to Rock Wall last spring. It was a beautiful light red wine that blew away every Montelpuciano we've tried since -- especially the regular ol' Italian stuff (apparently Italy and Alameda are the only places they make it.) As they say... "this ain't your grandfather's montelpuciano."

We enjoyed it while cooking vegan hoisin-mustard tofu and listening to Italian Surf Academy.

I'm not sure if the new 2010 stands up to the 2009. I can't explain why. Maybe my tastes have evolved or maybe it's a tiny bit off? It's delicious and it's still a nice, light [cranberryish] wine but it doesn't knock my socks off like it did last year. Btw... last year's sold out rather quickly.

Retails for $22 at Rock Wall Wines.