The 2007 Magari boasts a gorgeous nose redolent of grilled herbs, menthol, spices and dark fruit. This is a relatively lithe Magari that convinces for its length, balance and finessed personality. Magari is 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. These are without question the finest wines I have tasted from Angelo Gaja’s Ca’ Marcanda estate on the Tuscan coast. It will be interesting to see where the wines go from here. The vines are now starting to get to the age where the resulting wines show real pedigree and class. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

Magari is a uniquely nostalgic Italian word that loosely translates as ‘if only.’ If only Angelo Gaja released a Magari of this caliber every vintage. The wine is smooth and rich with lingering tones of cherry and sweet spice. ——M.L.(4/1/2011)—— 92