Rocca di Frassinello's 2006 Le Sughere di Frassinello (50% Sangioveto, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon) is the estate's second wine, and was aged in French oak barrels, of which 50% were new. In this vintage, the wine shows the compelling balance of ripeness and vibrancy that informs the best 2006s, with gorgeous clarity and precision in its dark fruit, flowers, minerals and tar. Sweet scents of French oak linger on the firm, yet well-balanced finish. The 2006 Le Sughere di Frassinello is yet another delicious wine in this important Tuscan vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. This ambitious young property located in Maremma continues to show significant improvement. Proprietor Paolo Panerai's newest project is an as yet unreleased 100% Merlot designed to compete with the region's elite bottlings. It will be very interesting to see what he and oenologists Alessandro Cellai and Christian Le Sommer come up with.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

This shows coffee, spice, tar and blackberry character on the nose and palate. Big and powerful, with loads of new wood. Juicy and rich. Very New World. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2010. 4,800 cases made, 1,300 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Maremma Toscana Select to Add