The 2000 Calabrone is deep, dense and rich, with superb concentration and plenty of style. It offers exotic Cabernet Franc aromas along with sumptuous dark fruit, cocoa, herbs and tar. This racy red is approachable today but also has enough freshness to drink well for another decade. It is made from a blend of Merlot, Refosco, Cabernet Franc and Pignolo. Some of the Refosco, Cabernet Franc and Pignolo bunches are dried (Amarone-style) which gives the wine its body and depth of expression. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Joe Bastianich’s estate is located in Friuli’s Colli Orientali appellation, a region known more for its reds than its whites. The estate releases two Tocai selections, a base bottling made from purchased fruit, as well as their Tocai Plus which is made from estate-grown fruit but only in vintages that allow for a late harvest. The range also includes Vespa Bianco (Chardonnay and Sauvignon with a small percentage of dried Picolit) and Calabrone, (Merlot, Refosco, Cabernet Franc and Pignolo). Importer: Dark Star Imports, New York, NY; tel. (646) 312-8921