This wine paints a classic and elegant portrait of Merlot from Tuscany. The 2001 Redigaffi offers beautiful balance and a wide assembly of aromas that range from rose hip to white pepper to baked biscuit to celery root. At its core, there is dried cherry and blackberry with light shadings of spice and tobacco. The wine closes with smoothness and supple softness. This growing season saw alternating moments of hot and cold weather and is the ultimate testament to the versatility of Merlot, says Stefano Frascolla.

The 2001 Redigaffi, an exceptionally deep ruby with an exotic nose of chocolate covered cherries and plum jam along with additional notes of coconut and roasted coffee, has the tell-tale super richness and density of perfectly ripe Merlot, lush, enveloping, plush, and concentrated. Drink: 2005-2020. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620