The 2007 Merlot Heart is a plump, harmonious wine made in a juicy, fruit-driven style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. The entry-level Kris range from Franz Haas offers good value. Readers will notice that the fruit and/or wines for this negociant line are now sourced from various regions within Italy. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Franz Haas, one of Italy’s best producers from the north, has recently ventured into winemaking in the deep south. This shows great purity of fruit with aromas of raspberry, cherry, white almond and some lingering spice. ——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 87

The estate’s 2006 Merlot Heart is the most complex of this set of wines. This medium-bodied offering possesses attractive notes of dark fruit, smoke, earthiness, licorice, leather and the sweet herbal overtones that are typical of the wines of the Dolomites. The wine was made from a combination of purchased wine, purchased fruit and estate-grown fruit, and aged in a combination of French oak and stainless steel. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. The budget-friendly Kris wines are made by Franz Haas from mostly purchased grapes and/or wines. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620