The 2015 Alto Adige Merlot Riserva Kastelaz is a very soft, luscious and bright expression of the French grape. There are lots of rich cherry notes followed by dried blackberry, spice and sweet tobacco. In a sense, the wine shows more width than length. It's a direct and generous Merlot to accompany lamb meatballs with rosemary marinated potatoes. The wine ages in oak for 18 months. Some 6,000 bottles were made.

Soft and luscious from the start, the 2009 Alto Adige Merlot Riserva Kastelaz shows enormous depth with thick layers of dark fruit, candied cherry, leather and tobacco. The wine sees 18 months of oak, almost all new, and rests in the bottle for an additional eight months. It’s smooth, rich texture flows beautifully to the back of the mouth imparting rich berry intensity as it moves forward.

An outstanding Merlot with notes of blueberry, red fruit and light vanilla bean. It also has a touch of leather and tobacco, which add personality. The wine is solid in the mouth with a medium build, finesse and long persistency on the finish.——M.L.(4/1/2007)—— 91

Here’s a wine that scores sky high in drinkability: It is a modern Merlot but avoids being big or brawny. In fact, its structure is just right—solid without being heavy—and the many delicate aromatic nuances are the finishing touches on a pretty picture. Look for forest berry fruit, light toast and loads of almond (refined in oak for 18 months). ——M.L.(4/1/2007)—— 91