The deeply-colored 2003 Bolgheri Arnione is a dazzling effort that is not to be missed. Made in restrained style for the vintage and the region, it is an exceptionally elegant and refined wine that offers very attractive notes of blueberry jam, smoke, minerals, licorice and sweet toasted oak on a full-bodied frame with notable concentration and balance. Still vibrant, it should drink well to age 12-15. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, and aged 15 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. This small estate located in Bolgheri produces sleek wines with a lot of style and class. Its vineyards, which are all fairly young, are densely planted and the yields per plant are kept low, which gives the wines much of their characteristic richness. These two releases are outstanding and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Importer: Vidalco International, LLC; tel. (304) 377-1000; Fax (304) 766-6128

Blackberry, cherry, moist earth and vanilla notes emerge from the nose of this Cab Sauvignon-Merlot-Petit Verdot blend. Modern and solid, pair it with grilled meat or hearty stew. ——M.L.(4/1/2007)—— 91