1999 Merlot dell' Umbria

A remarkable achievement, and perhaps the world's greatest red wine value, is the 1999 Merlot. Production is only 2,500 cases, but this unfined/unfiltered effort aged in barrel boasts an opaque purple color as well as a sumptuous nose redolent of blackberry liqueur, espresso beans, mocha, and smoke. Dense, full-bodied, chewy, and low in acidity, it provides a sumptuous drinking experience. It will be released in September, 2000, so get your reservations in as it is a remarkably intense, concentrated wine that can be drunk now, or cellared for 7-8 years. It represents one of the greatest wine values I have ever tasted! A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620