The 2007 Merlot Girolamo is a seamless beauty graced with exquisite finesse in its dark fruit. Despite its richness, there is plenty of underlying structure to support the fruit. Mocha, spices and licorice wrap around the dark, opulent finish. The Girolamo is quite explosive at this stage, but it will be even better in another few years. Castello di Bossi gave the Girolamo 24 months in new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Proprietor Marco Bacci makes a wide range of wines across his properties in Tuscany, but those of Castello di Bossi lead the way when it comes to quality and consistency. These are rich, textured wines that in most cases can handle fairly high amounts of new French oak. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Girolamo is a wine you can’t get enough of. It’s soft and luscious with ripe cherry, chocolate and tobacco overtones. It feels smooth and finely textured on the finish with a long, fruit-driven endnote. Pair this beautiful expression from Tuscany with pulled beef or marinated pork. ——M.L.(10/1/2011)—— 92