The 2004 Carmignano Il Sasso, a dark violet, possess knockout aromatics and a plump personality packed with sweet dark fruit and toasted oak nuances that are supported by a lovely note of minerality. It offers outstanding length on the palate as well as terrific overall balance, with a lingering note of freshness to round out the finish. This blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot saw three weeks’ fermentation and maceration in steel, followed by 12 months’ aging in small French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016. Proprietor Mauro Vanucci makes richly structured wines from his 15 hectares in the Carmignano appellation. He favors late harvests, long macerations lasting several weeks and small French oak barrels for aging. Vanucci’s approach to making super-ripe, concentrated wines yields its best results in balanced growing seasons such as 2004, but in the scorching-hot 2003 he may have pushed the envelope too far. Importer: A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411