This stunning wine (100% Merlot that has been barrel-fermented and aged in French oak) is a sumptuous, thick, juicy, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with terrific fruit intensity and purity (gobs of black cherry, berry, and mocha notes), medium to full body, a silky texture, and a lush, heady finish that lasts for more than 30 seconds. This unfined, unfiltered Merlot, made from low yields, can be drunk now because of its succulent personality, but it will age well for 7-8 years. An exceptional value. This is a dazzling wine value from one of Italy's genius winemakers/oenologists, Riccardo Cotarella.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620