The 2004 Sughere di Frassinello (50% Sangioveto, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot) is a plump, juicy effort. Fresh and vinous on the nose, it offers attractive super-sweet dark fruit and toasted oak notes on a medium bodied frame with a long finish and a soft, accessible personality. A slight note of greenness keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2014. Rocca di Frassinello is a new project owned jointly by media magnate Paolo Panerai, who also owns the Chianti estate Castellare, and Baron Eric de Rothschild. The estate is actually a collection of five smaller properties that lie in the Monteregio di Massa Marittima appellation. Winemaking is overseen by Christian Le Sommer and Alessandro Cellai, who is also responsible for the wines at Panerai’s other estates. There are three selections made from the estate’s vineyards, which were first planted in 2000. The top two selections are excellent, while the entry-level wine, Poggio alla Guardia, is less convincing.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

A little jammy but some good berry fruit, with hints of mineral. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2006. 5,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Maremma Toscana Select to Add