The 2005 Le Sughere di Frassinello possesses an added dimension of weight in its dark cherry, plum, licorice, leather, smoke and earthy flavors. This medium to full-bodied red offers excellent length although the tannins dry out a bit on the finish as the wine lacks a little stuffing on the mid-palate. Still, this is a strong effort that bodes very well for the future. Le Sughere di Frassinello is 50% Sangioveto, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. I was delighted by the quality of these 2005s from Rocca di Frassinello, especially after the less than exciting set of wines this young estate produced in 2004. Despite the challenges of 2005, quality appears to be moving in the right direction, for which I heartily congratulate proprietor Paolo Panerai and winemakers Alessandro Cellai and Christian Le Sommer.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Le Sughere is a well-composed wine, except for a hint of Band-Aid that blows off relatively quickly to enhance natural aromas of red fruit, root beer and toast. It offers sweet herb flavors and fresh mint on the close.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 87