The 2020 Palafreno (100% Merlot) is packed with dark fruit, mocha, new leather, spice and espresso. It emerges from vineyards at elevation in the Ruffoli district. Merlot seems to be more transparent with regards to an expression of place, whereas, interestingly, Cabernet is much stronger in varietal expression in the Camartina blend. The deep, saline finish is seriously impressive. The 2020 is superb, especially for a wine that was bottled just a few weeks before this tasting. Aging was done in 225-liter barrels, about 20% new.