A pure expression of Merlot, the Casa di Terra 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Mosaico is soft and velvety from the outset with lots of black fruit, summer ripe cherry, some grilled herb and a spot of dusty mineral that adds an elegant frame around all that bold primary intensity. The wine is fermented in steel and finishes in barrique. Annual production of Mosaico is about 20,000 bottles.

For better or for worse, there is some stickiness and overt ripeness here that is par for the course in this very hot growing season. The 2017 Bolgheri Rosso Mosaico is a wine of rich and firm textural support with generous layers of ripe cherry, blackberry, spice and savory tobacco piled high on top. Serve it with a spring barbecue of sausage, onion and green bell peppers. Production is 15,000 bottles.

The wine opens with deep intensity and rich concentration: Black cherry, spice and chocolate are fundamental components of the bouquet. The mouthfeel is rich and decadent to the end. This 40-40-20 blend of Merlot, Cab Sauvignon and Syrah would make the perfect companion to pork shank in Porcini mushroom sauce. ——M.L.(12/15/2010)—— 92