2004 Santa Lucia, Monte Antico, Toscana IGT ($12.99 NH Liq Store). Alcohol level: 12.5%. This is sometimes called an entry Super Tuscan. It is an entry for sure. The wine is a blend of Sangiovese (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), and Merlot (5%).
It is a very pleasant wine for the price. It gives you cherry and plums on the nose and upfront. In the middle there is a very nice complexity that includes additional fruit, crisp acidity, and good mouth feel. This is followed up with a lovely finish.
We matched it with Penne in Bolognese sauce with lots of Parma. The dinner was certainly better than pizza on a Saturday night.