I went on a trip to Italy a few years ago and picked up some Laudemio Castello di Poppiano olive oil on-site. When I got back home, I set up a blind taste test between that and Colavita for friends and family. I preferred the Laudemio but was astounded that everyone else (8 people maybe?) preferred the Colavita. Go figure.

That said, I did the same blind test for balsamic vinegar and everyone vastly preferred the real aged stuff over the American balsamic.