Like most of you out there, our lives, both inside the office and outside, are pretty hectic. And let’s not mention how an impending presidential election can throw mayhem into a journalist’s already-chaotic work week.

Which was why we recently declared it was time to decompress for an evening and have an informal, albeit wine-decadent, gathering. We’ve had a handful of pricier bottles stashed away for a while that were sent to us for review, so we mulled them over and emerged with an Italian trio to taste. Throw in a handmade margherita pizza, a selection of Italian cheese, olives and sauteed mushrooms, and you have a Swirl Girls’ version of a day at the spa.

2006 Tenimenti Angelini Simposio, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($34 average price online)

The Simposio is made with 100 percent of the grape variety prugnolo gentile (also known as sangiovese grosso), which is believed to be indigenous to the commune of Montepulciano. The wine is a light garnet color, turning slightly orange at the edges of the glass. Beyond the heat of alcohol radiating off the wine’s surface, we smelled cherry and raspberry, and tasted cherry and red plum on the medium body. Tannins were present but not overwhelming, and we noted a sharp, sour cherry finish. We weren’t impressed by the wine on its own, but it did evolve into a more sedate, pleasing palate when we tasted it while nibbling on the hard, sharp Pecorino Romano cheese.

2007 Frescobaldi Castel Giocondo Brunello Di Montalcino (online from $61)

Made from sangiovese grapes, this highly aromatic wine smelled of overripe, dried fruit. It was very perfumy, and that was a good thing. The nose was layered with faux leather, sweet dates and more dark fruit. On taste, it’s a smooth wine with a lot going on. After being decanted for five hours, it tasted of black cherries, dates, prunes and overripe fruit here, too. We also caught some leather, like a burnished saddle. Some remarks: “It’s complex, yet easygoing.” “It’s deep, yet uncomplicated.” It’s a medium-bodied wine that should be consumed now.

2008 Luce Della Vite Luce, Tuscany ($87.99 at Total Wine)

This lovely blend of 45 percent sangiovese and 55 percent merlot was the highlight of the evening. A deep garnet color in the glass, the wine has a beautiful aroma of figs, raisins, juicy blackberry and black plum with hints of menthol and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is medium/full-bodied with extremely smooth tannins – or so it was after 4 ½ hours open in a decanter. Juicy, lush and elegant, we think this wine is a “smooth operator” that could may any girl swoon.

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Join us at the Lexus Taste at Downtown at the Gardens

Join the Swirl Girls again this year at the Lexus Taste at Downtown at the Gardens for wine tasting and culinary delights on Nov. 8 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The event raises money for the Big Heart Brigade Thanksgiving Dinner Drive, so we’re honored to be involved.

Once again, our readers will get a special discount on tickets. Head to www.tasteatdowntown.com and use the promo code ‘SWIRLGIRLS’ for a $35 Taste Pass (this is a $15 savings off the advance price, and a $40 savings off the door price!).