In the world of business a blue chip is a stock in a corporation with a national reputation for quality, reliability and the ability to operate profitably in good times and bad. Much the same could be said about blue chip wines. They must be of the highest quality regardless of what obstacles Mother Nature might put in the way. As no two vintages are identical it takes an experienced hand to know when to execute the numerous decisions that need to be made in the vineyard and the winery.

Once a wine starts to achieve acclamation through the press or by word of mouth, maintaining that  excellence year after year can be just as challenging. Success in any profession requires hard work, dedication and a desire to be the best. Wine maker Alberto Passeri of La Gerla epitomizes what it takes.

La Gerla is a gem of a property located in the majestic Tuscan town of Montalcino. It is here that Alberto makes some of the greatest wines in all of Italy. You don't have to take my word for it. All the major wine publications in the U.S. (Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast) consistently give La Gerla 90+ scores year after year.

There are four different wines made at La Gerla; Birba, Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino and Brunello Riserva gli Angeli. All the wines are handcrafted useing 100% sangiovese grapes from the estates vineyards. If you are a fan of super-aromatic wines with a combination of power and finesse you must try these wines.

Last year La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli was the top scoring Brunello in the Wine Spectator with 97 points. A sneak preview of the 2008 Riserva gli Angeli will be in the June 30th issue of the Wine Spectator with 93 points. One point higher than a wine costing nearly ten times as much. Congratulations Alberto Passeri.