The score for 2000 Avignonesi Desiderio Cortona IGT is 90-91 points from Robert Parker and the tasting note - The 2000 Desiderio, dominated by the Merlot but with some supplementary Cabernet, is ruby/purple in color with black highlights and features a ripe and classic Bordeaux nose of cassis, blackberries, sweet sage, and graphite. Ample and tasty on the palate, its force and concentration are well balanced by elegant tannins, much precision and focus, and a solid, mineral finish. The score for 2001 Avignonesi Desiderio Cortona IGT is 94 points from Robert Parker and the tasting note - The 2001 Desiderio, Merlot with a bit of Cabernet in the blend, is simply the best in the history of the house, blackish in tone and with purple highlights, warm and intense in aroma with perfectly ripe black berry fruit, sandalwood, cinnamon, and vanilla, very broad and rich on the palate, sizeable, sweet, and gratifying. Avignonesi’s line has steadily shrunk in recent years, as many of the individual wines have become blends and others have simply been dropped. The varietal Chardonnay and Sauvignon bottlings have become one wine, as have the Merlot and Cabernet, and the Pinot Noir has been eliminated. The line-up is still a strong one, however, and in certain categories competitive with Tuscany’s and Italy’s best.