From an estate owned by Riccardo Cotarella, this wine, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new French oak, and bottled without fining or filtration, reflects the great ripeness and richness achieved in 1997. The wine's black/purple color is followed by a stunning nose of licorice, smoke, black fruits, and minerals. Amazingly rich, with no hard edges, this sumptuous, silky-textured, full-bodied offering coats the mouth, but is neither heavy nor out of balance. Its 40+ second finish is dazzling. Now the bad news - only 250 cases were produced. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620