I had expected the Castello Monaci 2017 Negroamaro Maru to be a lot jammier based on the heat of the vintage. The name Maru means "very dark" in local dialect. Showing a mid-weight style instead, the wine unloads lots of bright cherry notes. What you get is an easy-drinking and cheerful Negroamaro from a gorgeous estate (and popular wedding designation) in the Salento.

The Castello Monaci 2015 Negroamaro Maru shows a more contained and sophisticated side next to the estate's Primitivo. The bouquet is grand in appeal and presentation, yet this wine reveals a tighter fabric with firm stitching that holds it together. The effect is almost seamless. Dark berry, plum, espresso bean and toasted spice are all part of this vinous ensemble. A pretty blast of red cherry appears on the close. Maru delivers incredible value and is worth seeking out.

I very much enjoyed the 2012 Negroamaro Maru. It is bursting with power and personality that come forward thanks to the wine's thick, extracted style. Despite its large frame and bold fruit flavors, Maru also delivers sharp clarity and an etched feeling with dried cherry, cola and menthol herb. The tannins are soft and the wine offers long flavors of licorice and dark fruit on the finish.

The 2011 Negroamaro Maru shows good intensity in its dark fruit. There isn’t a ton of varietal nuance in the glass, but the wine is very nicely balanced just the same. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014. Castello Monaci is known for forward, juicy wines that deliver tons of quality for the money. This set of new releases includes a number of terrific buys. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

The 2009 Negroamaro Maru boasts considerable depth and nuance in its freshly cut flowers, mint, tar, plums and black cherries. The Maru makes an excellent introduction to Negroamaro, one of Puglia's most important indigenous grapes. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013. Castello Monaci makes some of the most consistently excellent wines in southern Italy. As good as the wines can be, it would be nice to see the estate take the next step in expressing the unique qualities of Puglia's indigenous red grapes. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700