The 2009 Friuli Colli Orientali Sottocastello Rosso (100% Merlot, aged 18 months in oak) boasts an inky dark color and opens to raw tones of blackberry and plum. There’s crushed espresso bean, bitter chocolate and a rustic note of carob seed or cardamom as well. The wine is definitely on the heavily, velvety side but it also settles into a better sense of balance after a little aeration in the glass. In fact, it ultimately reveals an elegant and intriguing side with more mixed spice and fruit energy than you might find in Merlot from more southern points in Italy. Drink: 2014-2018. Importer: Uva Import, www.uvaimports.com