The estate’s 2007 Mediterra is 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. This positively sparkles on the palate with the essence of crushed rocks, violets, cinnamon and jammy blueberries in a totally seductive expression of Bolgheri. In the last two vintages Mediterra has emerged as one of the finest values in Maremma, a part of Tuscany not exactly known for inexpensive wines. The Syrah in Mediterra comes from young vines that will one day be used for a separate Syrah bottling once the plants have acquired sufficient age. That will be a fascinating wine to follow. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Plush and rich, but not too meaty or thick, Mediterra (as its Mediterranean-sounding name suggests) delivers aromas of small fruit, wild sage, leather and moist earth. The bouquet paints a pretty picture of the territory in coastal Tuscany that inspired this blended red wine.——M.L.(10/1/2011)—— 91