The 2006 La Ricolma (Merlot) offers up plenty of dark varietal fruit intermingled with sweet scents of French oak, tar, menthol, leather and licorice. Despite its weighty, somewhat brooding personality, the wine reveals exceptional balance and tons of poise. The wine remains rather tannic and structured at this stage so a few years of cellaring would appear to be prudent. In the meantime, readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this delicious Ricolma. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. My tasting last year with proprietor Luca Martini di Cigala was an eye-opener. Aside from his humility – which always leaves a deep impression – I was simply blown away by the quality of the 2006s, which were in barrel at the time. His 2006 Percarlo was glorious that day, but it won’t be released until next year. In the meantime, these new releases should keep the estate’s fans, of which I am one, more than happy. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119